"This conversion is an important aspect of our commitment to sustainability, along with our overall effort to transform our fleet to green vehicles," said James McShane, Vice President of Public Safety.
The newly installed hybrid electric powertrain on the Evening Shuttle is expected to deliver a 25% increase in miles per gallon, lowering the amount of fossil fuels needed as well as lowering carbon emissions. The hybrid system, which is installed onto the original powertrain, saves fuel through regenerative braking. Under regenerative braking, the electric motor helps slow the vehicle during braking to charge the hybrid battery. Then, as the driver accelerates, the hybrid battery releases the stored energy to the electric motor, helping to propel the vehicle.
The Chevrolet Bolt electric patrol car that joined the fleet in August can travel 238 miles per charge, and produces zero emissions.
The Evening Shuttle is available from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., seven days a week. Shuttles run in two loop routes around the Morningside and Manhattanville campus neighborhoods. Visit the Columbia Transportation website for details.
