The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Utah’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) $74.7 million in July 2024 to implement the Beehive Emission Reduction Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the state.
To reduce emissions from short-distance drayage routes, ASPIRE will install a dynamic charging system at the Utah Inland Port. This will include two dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems: one co-developed with ASPIRE’s team at Purdue University and one using the Electreon DWPT system.
To address the poor air quality along the Wasatch Front, ASPIRE has partnered with Kenworth, UPS, and WAVE to create two zero-emissions routes using a battery-electric Kenworth truck powered by two static 1-megawatt chargers. Developed by ASPIRE’s team at USU, this 1-MW WPT system will be deployed at the EVR in Logan and the Utah Inland Port in Salt Lake City.
ASPIRE received a grant from the Department of Energy to develop a plan for multi-modal electrification along the Wasatch Front. The project will deliver a 20-year medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (MHD ZEV) infrastructure deployment plan — benefitting the communities that experience the most impacts from freight emissions.
UTA received Federal Transit Administration funding to upgrade TRAX light-rail service with 20 new low-floor light rail vehicles that enhance accessibility and improve efficiency.
UTA’s Central Depot District Garage, or Depot District, was opened in May 2023. It was uniquely designed as a one-stop shop to accommodate alternative fuel and clean-air transit vehicles. Depot District also houses a fleet of 47 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. In addition to administrative offices and UTA tech center, the depot features charging stations for 24 of its e-buses, diesel refueling, outdoor bus parking under modern canopies, and a bus wash.
After two decades of planning, UTA successfully launched its second rapid transit system — the Ogden Express (OGX) — in August 2023. This innovative system features 11 electric buses that connect the Ogden FrontRunner station with Weber State University. Thanks to a federal grant, OGX is fare free for the first three years.
UTA launched an all-electric fleet of 10 Ford E-transit vans to provide UTA’s On-Demand service in Tooele County. The service provides enhanced coverage, access, and flexibility for riders while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2.7 metric tons in the initial months of operation.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $16.2 million to High Valley Transit in Summit County to purchase 10 electric buses and upgrade its charging infrastructure.
Managed by OED, REVI is a $3 million matching grant program designed to provide funds to rural electric cooperatives for upgrading and installing new charging infrastructure. OED is preparing to announce grant recipients in August 2024.
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