Seattle is setting a remarkable precedent in the United States, embracing the future of public transportation with an innovative leap. The city is gearing up to introduce double-decker electric buses equipped with state-of-the-art inductive wireless charging technology, marking a first in the nation’s journey towards sustainable urban mobility.
In an ambitious move, Sound Transit, Seattle’s leading public transit authority, has confirmed the purchase of 33 Alexander Dennis Enviro500EV electric double-decker buses, alongside 15 articulated electric buses, all designed to revolutionize the way the city moves. These buses will be powered by cutting-edge 300 kW in-ground inductive chargers from InductEV, a pioneering force in wireless electric vehicle charging based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
“This initiative not only positions Seattle as a trailblazer in eco-friendly transportation but also underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable future,” stated a Sound Transit spokesperson.
The double-decker buses are set to be a game-changer for urban transit, featuring:
Scheduled for delivery in 2026, these buses will be manufactured in the US by Big Rig Manufacturing, a partner of the UK-based Alexander Dennis, ensuring quality and reliability.
These electric marvels will ply the new Stride bus rapid transit system, developing a seamless network along Interstate 405 to connect communities around Lake Washington. With plans to charge the buses en route and at depots, Sound Transit is leveraging the region’s renewable energy prowess, with nearly half of the Puget Sound area’s electricity sourced from green sources.
Sound Transit’s initiative is a significant step towards a greener future, with the following benefits:
InductEV’s technology is not just a blueprint but a reality, with about 100 electric buses across Washington State set to benefit, alongside the installation of 35 wireless charging pads.
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Seattle’s bold stride towards integrating double-decker electric buses with wireless charging is more than a transportation upgrade; it’s a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. As cities around the globe watch and learn, Seattle’s pioneering spirit in green transit sets a benchmark for others to follow.