Bus Fleet Electrification
Project Summary:
The Bus Fleet Electrification initiative is an ongoing monumental, $2.18 million project transforming Northern Arizona University’s campus shuttle system. By retiring two outdated 2008 diesel buses and introducing two 35-foot, low-emitting Gillig battery-electric buses, this effort eliminates the consumption of approximately 67 gallons of diesel fuel per day. The project also establishes critical infrastructure by installing a high-capacity dual chargepoint station and providing specialized zero-emission maintenance training for university mechanics. Coordinated through a massive partnership between the Office of Sustainability, University Transit Services, Campus Shuttle, and Facility Services, this high-visibility project leverages an EPA grant to drastically reduce the university’s Scope 1 emissions and improve local air quality. Ultimately, this major milestone accelerates NAU’s Smart Campus Master Plan commitment to electrify its bus and shuttle fleet by 2035. The NAU Green Fund provided $525,000 towards this project.
Project Lead:
Kayla Tallmadge
Project Advisor:
Avi Henn
Date:
2025-03-31
Funding Amount:
$525,000.00
Department:
Office of Susutainability/ Green Fund