Seattle's getting a high-tech upgrade to its public transport system, and it's coming in the form of electric buses that charge up without a cord in sight. Sound Transit has gone in on a deal for 48 electric buses that'll juice up using inductive wireless charging tech, as reported by Planetizen. The new fleet will include 33 double-deckers provided by Alexander Dennis, which is bound to make the daily commute a sight more interesting.
This isn't just a first for Seattle, but for all of North America, with those double-deckers setting the stage for a new era in public transportation. It's a significant move, especially for an urban space where, planting green and maintaining public spaces is as vital as the air we breathe. According to PR Newswire, the up-and-coming Stride bus rapid transit service will see these electric giants, powered by 13 in-ground wireless chargers, span the region without hogging the power grid come nightfall.
The green wave doesn't end there. These buses, aside from cutting down on nasty emissions, sync up with the state's push for renewable energy. Charged up during the day while on their route, they rely less on traditional wired, depot-bound charging methods—something that's key in keeping Seattle's green space intact. Not just a win for the planet, but also for the city's looks, as Smart Cities Dive notes that the in-ground inductive chargers are more than 20 percent more cost-efficient than wired alternatives.
And, with Seattle leading the charge, it's not going unnoticed by players in the transport game. Brandon Anulewicz, Chief Revenue Officer at InductEV, gushed about the potential of expanding this tech further into commercial and municipal sectors, affirming in a statement obtained by The EV Report, "It’s about more than just buses. It’s about transforming communities, reducing emissions, and creating greener, more efficient transportation systems." It's clear that this isn't just about getting from A to B—it's about shaping the future of how we move around in the urban jungle.
Seattle might just be setting a new standard here, showing how innovation, and a push for sustainability, can modernize an essential public service like a boss. As the rest of the country watches on, one thing's for certain—Seattle's commuters are in for a smooth, and green, ride.
