Location: New Orleans, LA
Fleet Type: Medium-duty Fleet
Narrative
Tulane University has introduced nine electric vehicles to provide transit service to its community as of September 2023. This green initiative is part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation, supported by a significant research grant from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Vehicles Technology Office. The grant, awarded in 2020, provided $737,500 in matching funds to help the university purchase these electric vehicles and install the necessary charging infrastructure.
The electric shuttles are now a daily presence on Tulane’s campuses, offering a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient mode of transportation for students, faculty, and staff. These vehicles are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the university’s carbon footprint, decreasing local air pollution, and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) within the broader community.
The initiative is not just about providing a sustainable transit option; it’s also a vital research project. The project team, supported by the EERE grant, is tasked with testing the hypothesis that electric vehicles are less expensive to operate and maintain compared to traditional gasoline-powered shuttles. Over the coming months and years, they will meticulously document the operational costs, maintenance requirements, and overall performance of the electric shuttles. These findings will be shared with the EERE and regional fleet managers to inform and inspire similar transitions to electric fleets across the region and beyond.
“We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” said Dr. Jane Smith, the project’s lead researcher and a professor of environmental engineering at Tulane. “The support from the Department of Energy has been instrumental in enabling us to take this significant step towards sustainability. By testing and documenting our experiences, we hope to pave the way for other institutions and organizations to follow suit.”
The funding from the EERE has not only facilitated the purchase of the nine electric vehicles but also supported the installation of essential charging stations across the campus. These charging stations ensure that the shuttles can be conveniently powered up, maximizing their efficiency and reliability. The charging infrastructure is strategically placed to serve the entire campus, making it easy for the shuttles to remain in service throughout the day.
Students and staff at Tulane have warmly welcomed the new electric shuttles. “It’s great to see Tulane taking such proactive steps towards sustainability,” commented Sarah Johnson, a junior at the university. “The new shuttles are quiet, clean, and a clear sign of our university’s commitment to the environment.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the electric shuttles provide a smoother and quieter ride, enhancing the overall transit experience for the university community. The initiative also includes educational components, with the project team engaging with students and faculty to raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation practices.
Tulane’s electric shuttle program serves as a model for other universities and organizations looking to make a similar transition. By documenting the lessons learned and sharing the results with the EERE and regional fleet managers, Tulane is helping to build a body of knowledge that can drive the wider adoption of electric vehicles in various sectors.
As Tulane University moves forward with this innovative project, it stands at the forefront of the movement towards a more sustainable future. The successful implementation of the electric shuttles, backed by the crucial research funded by the DOE’s EERE Vehicles Technology Office, underscores the university’s leadership in environmental responsibility and technological advancement.
In conclusion, Tulane University’s introduction of nine electric shuttles marks a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainability. Supported by a substantial DOE grant, this initiative not only provides a greener transit solution for the university community but also contributes valuable research that will benefit broader efforts to transition to electric fleets. As these shuttles traverse the campuses, they symbolize a cleaner, greener future powered by innovation and commitment to the environment.
Outputs and Outcomes
The new vehicles are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 33% compared to those they replaced in Tulane’s shuttle operation. With the addition of these vehicles, half of the 18 shuttles and transportation fleet vehicles owned by Tulane are now electric.
The electric shuttles are expected to provide over 260,000 rides annually to the Tulane community. This is anticipated to reduce the school’s transportation emissions significantly over the next 3 years, helping Tulane reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals: 30% reduction by 2025 and overall carbon neutrality by 2050.
Best Practices & Lessons Learned
The transportation office and the Office of Sustainability at Tulane University worked closely with staff at their local utility provider, Entergy, to streamline this process as much as possible. They found that working with an organization that had done this before helped immensely with all the steps through forecasting and installing the Level 3 chargers.
Procurement of the vehicles was the slowest factor of their electrification process. The head of their transportation team noted that they were able to find and purchase Level 3 chargers quickly, but cautioned installing them too early. They noted that if you install them long before you get the vehicles, they may be damaged and out run their warranty.
Additionally, the Tulane team notes the importance of being adaptable and able to “pivot” if your first electrification plan doesn’t pan out. Many vehicles were considered throughout this process and due to issues with purchasing and procurement, many unexpected delays occurred. However, the team never gave up and were able to adapt to a new plan several times.
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