TriMet to introduce first buses powered solely by wind energy

© TriMet

In a move believed to be a first in the U.S. transit industry, TriMet recently introduced its all-electric buses powered only by wind energy.

TriMet, based in Portland, Ore., has previously committed to making a non-diesel bus fleet within the next two decades, but now they want to make that fleet rechargeable battery-driven and powered by Portland General Electric’s Clean Wind renewable energy program. The transition is already underway and the first all-electric bus released to the public. Four others are expected to join in quick succession.

“Today, we are riding the winds of change. TriMet’s commitment to a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040 and support of wind power put the agency and our region at the forefront of a cleaner future,” Doug Kelsey, TriMet general manager, said.

In addition to wind capture, the buses will utilize regenerative braking to help power themselves, meaning that whenever the bus brakes, it is creating reserve power. The kinetic energy is captured and either used immediately or stored up in the battery. Through such measures, TriMet estimates it will carve off around 100-140 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year compared to traditional diesel buses.

“Shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy is essential to addressing the climate crisis, and it’s exciting to see TriMet begin to phase out their diesel bus fleet. These electric buses are a tangible step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our region,” Meredith Connolly, Climate Solutions Oregon director, said.

TriMet also claims these buses will be quieter than standard diesel and ride smoother for those within. They will be able to fit up to 40 people.

All of this is made possible through a $3.4 million federal grant and partnership with PGE. That grant paid for the company’s first four electric buses, and going forward, PGE will own and maintain all electric charging equipment. By removing those costs from TriMet, it has also allowed the company to purchase a fifth bus, with another five to come via a second federal grant. TriMet itself intends to purchase up to 80 additional buses over the next five to six years.