transportation
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Electric school buses in Oakland will help stabilize the grid
Startup Zum has launched the U.S.'s largest all-electric school-bus fleet in Oakland, using these buses as grid-supporting batteries to improve both transportation and energy reliability.
In short:
- Zum deployed 74 electric school buses in Oakland, aiming to cut harmful emissions and reduce air pollution.
- The buses use vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology to charge during off-peak hours and discharge power when the grid is stressed.
- Federal and state incentives helped fund the project, but only 2% of U.S. school buses are electric.
Key quote:
"PG&E was able to step up to the challenge and deliver the energy to power these buses — and we were able to do it a year early."
— Patti Poppe, CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric
Why this matters:
Electric school buses reduce emissions and can support the grid when demand spikes, lowering reliance on fossil fuels. However, expanding this model faces hurdles due to high costs and limited infrastructure.
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Credit: Andrew Roberts/Unsplash
Automakers reduce focus on electric vehicles amid slower adoption
Major automakers are slowing down their electrification plans, citing lower-than-expected consumer demand for EVs, even as sales continue to grow.
In short:
- Ford has delayed the release of some EV models and cut its EV development budget by $12 billion, citing cost concerns.
- Mercedes-Benz pushed back its goal for 50% EV sales from 2025 to 2030, citing market conditions, while Volvo and Volkswagen have softened their EV plans.
- EV sales are growing, but slower than expected, leading automakers to re-emphasize hybrids as a bridge to full electrification.
Key quote:
“The expansion of the plants will depend on how the market for e-cars develops.”
— Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen chief technology officer
Why this matters:
Despite EV sales rising, the shift away from internal combustion engines is slower than expected, risking delays in reducing vehicle emissions and slowing progress toward climate goals.
Related: Electric vehicle purchases show a political divide in the US
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California's first hydrogen-powered train brings clean energy to rail travel
The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit, a hydrogen-powered passenger train, will soon operate in Southern California, marking a significant step toward clean energy in U.S. rail travel.
In short:
- The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (Zemu), the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S., will run in Southern California, reducing emissions in a heavily polluted region.
- The train's hybrid system uses hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.
- California plans further investment in hydrogen-powered transport to meet future carbon-neutrality goals.
Key quote:
“What we have done with Zemu is transformational. The development of the train has solidified SBCTA’s place as an innovator in clean passenger rail here in the Inland Empire, throughout the state and the nation.”
— Ray Marquez, president of the San Bernardino County Transit Authority
Why this matters:
Hydrogen-powered trains offer a promising alternative to diesel, reducing air pollution in communities near rail corridors. Expanding this technology could significantly lower transportation-related emissions nationwide.
Related: California faces challenges with hydrogen energy plan
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A 1960s effort to ban gas-powered cars offers lessons for today
In the late 1960s, California Senator Nicholas Petris nearly succeeded in banning gas-powered cars, a battle echoing today’s climate debates.
In short:
- Nicholas Petris pushed for a ban on gas-powered cars in California starting in 1975, responding to growing concerns over smog and air pollution.
- Despite initial ridicule, Petris’ bill passed the state Senate but was ultimately defeated due to intense lobbying by the auto industry.
- The movement to phase out gas cars gained traction nationwide, influencing future emissions standards.
Key quote:
“The damage has been done The car is now looked upon like some kind of dangerous drug.”
— San Jose car dealer, reflecting on public sentiment
Why this matters:
The struggle to phase out gas-powered cars has a long history, revealing that industry resistance and public advocacy play critical roles in environmental change efforts.
Related:
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Credit: Pixabay
Extreme heat is damaging America's transportation infrastructure
Record heat in summer 2024 is straining America’s infrastructure, causing issues like stuck bridges and buckling roads, and disrupting transportation systems.
In short:
- The Third Avenue Bridge in New York jammed after metal expansion caused by heat, and roads in Washington and Wisconsin have buckled, disrupting traffic.
- Amtrak and other rail systems face delays due to heat-induced rail expansion, which can cause derailments and safety hazards.
- Engineers are using innovative solutions, including heat-resistant materials and advanced monitoring systems, to address these challenges.
Key quote:
“Like human bodies, infrastructure needs to be maintained from the beginning to reduce costs and increase the potential for effective rehabilitation.”
— Suyun Paul Ham, associate professor of civil engineering, University of Texas at Arlington
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events will increasingly threaten aging infrastructure, leading to safety hazards and costly disruptions. Effective engineering solutions and timely maintenance are vital to enhance the resilience of critical transportation networks.
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Credit: Pixabay
Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather
Amtrak’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain operations as climate change causes more frequent extreme weather events, leading to record delays.
In short:
- Amtrak's passengers faced over 4,010 hours of weather-related delays in the 2023 fiscal year.
- Heat waves were the largest contributor, causing nearly 1,200 hours of delays due to track deformities.
- High temperatures also impact power systems, further disrupting rail services.
Key quote:
“Amtrak is beginning to see climate conditions impact on-time performance and is taking action.”
— Olivia Irvin, spokeswoman for Amtrak
Why this matters:
Increased train delays due to extreme weather highlight the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to adapt to climate change. Without significant investments, travel disruptions and safety risks will continue to escalate.
Be sure to read our related coverage:
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Hawaii agrees to a zero-emission transportation deadline
Hawaii has reached a legal settlement with young climate activists, requiring the state to achieve zero emissions in its transportation sector by 2045.
In short:
- The lawsuit, filed by 13 young people, claimed Hawaii's transportation policies violated their constitutional rights by contributing to climate change.
- The settlement mandates Hawaii to fully decarbonize its ground, sea, and inter-island air transportation by 2045.
- This agreement includes oversight by the court to ensure compliance and faster progress towards emission reduction goals.
Key quote:
“This is an extraordinary, unprecedented victory for the youth plaintiffs.”
— Michael Gerrard, faculty director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University
Why this matters:
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing climate change by targeting transportation emissions, a major contributor to greenhouse gases. It also demonstrates the power of youth activism in influencing environmental policy.
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