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Harvard University deploys four electric buses

Harvard University recently purchased four Proterra electric buses, along with the necessary charging infrastructure. The new buses, which will replace four biodiesel-powered vehicles, represent about a third of Harvard’s fleet.

Each 35-foot Proterra transit bus has a seating capacity of 29, and features a 450 kWh battery pack and an 800-volt system architecture. The shuttles will be charged during off-peak overnight hours, using 150 kW charging stations that can deliver a full charge in about three hours.

The project was supported by a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection grant program, which is funding nearly 100 transportation electrification projects across the state.

Harvard has already electrified several campus operations, including electric leaf blowers and service vehicles, and has installed dozens of EV charging stations across the campus in Cambridge and Allston.

“Harvard takes its responsibility of being a good neighbor seriously,” added David Harris, Director of Transit & Fleet Management. “One of the great things about this project is that the buses will produce much less noise and operate far more smoothly as they navigate the densely populated streets of Cambridge and Allston.”

“Investing in electric buses will have a positive impact on the health of people on our campus and in the Cambridge and Boston area,” said Heather Henriksen, Managing Director of the Harvard Office for Sustainability. “Harvard hopes to be a catalyst for other universities, businesses, and cities by piloting the transition to electric buses.”

Source: Harvard Gazette

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