Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has pledged more than $12 million towards the deployment of electric buses in Alexandria, Blacksburg, and Hampton Roads. The funding will cover a total of 17 electric buses and charging stations, eliminating the need for an estimated two million gallons of diesel fuel and offsetting 612,000 tons of carbon emissions and 129,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide emissions, according to the Governor’s office.

The funding amount includes nearly $9 million from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, and $3.5 million from a statewide transit capital program. The funds will be allocated approximately as follows:

• $5.1 million to Alexandria (DASH) for six battery-electric transit buses and fast chargers
• $3.3 million to Blacksburg Transit for five buses and chargers
• $3.9 million to Hampton Roads Transit for six buses and chargers

In August, Virginia awarded about $14 million to EVgo to develop a statewide public EV charging network.

“Electric buses are a key component of Virginia’s strategy to address the climate crisis, reduce air pollution in our communities, and drive innovation across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam.

“This investment in high-efficiency vehicles raises the profile of transit as a smart, environmentally sustainable travel choice, and helps power a 21st-century multimodal transportation system that is the platform for Virginia’s economy,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine.

Source: Virginia Governor’s Office