Penn Transit has announced the inclusion of the first full-size electric vehicles to its fleet.

Four new vans will primarily accommodate the following transit routes: On-Request Evening Shuttles, Penn Accessible Transit, A.M. Medical Service Shuttle, FMC Shuttle, and Pennovation Works Shuttle. 

As fully electric passenger vans are not yet widely available for purchase, electric-powered cargo vans were retrofitted for passenger service. Not only was this solution cost-effective, but it also allowed Penn Transit to begin supporting the University’s carbon-neutral commitment sooner than anticipated. 

Why electric? Fleet electrification decreases carbon emissions reducing Penn’s carbon footprint. Each vehicle saves 13.2 metric tons of CO2 per year, or 53.04 metric tons for Penn’s four vehicles. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the environmental benefit of this transition equates to growing 893 tree saplings for 10 years. 

The electric vehicles debuted on October 10 as part of Penn Climate Week. Full service began in early November.