All-Electric, Zero-Emissions Bus Makes Its Debut in the City of Guadalupe

September 22, 2023

Guadalupe, Calif., Sept. 22, 2023 – The City of Guadalupe, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), and Smooth debuted a battery electric transit bus today at Guadalupe City Hall as part of the city’s commitment to sustainable public transportation.

The transit bus is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85.37 metric tons of CO2 each year – equivalent to taking 18 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road each year. 3CE granted a $250,000 rebate to the city for the battery electric bus to help reduce transportation emissions.

“The City of Guadalupe is grateful to be part of Central Coast Community Energy,” said Todd Bodem, Guadalupe City Administrator. “Through 3CE, our energy needs are heard, and our community receives direct benefits from the clean energy and electrification programs offered by 3CE. We also must thank Smooth for building our local transportation network from the ground up and continuing to operate it today. This electric bus will be a great addition to the fleet and to the city’s climate action initiatives.”

3CE has offered incentives and rebates for electric school buses for two years now, awarding nearly $1.1 million in funds to regional schools and school districts. This partnership with the City of Guadalupe marks a strategic shift toward transportation electrification initiatives for public transportation and regional transit agencies. It also underscores the growth in resources that 3CE makes available not only to residential and commercial electricity customers, but to the city and county governments that the agency serves.

“3CE was founded upon commitments to invest in our local communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through electrification and clean and renewable energy,” said 3CE Director of Energy Programs, Jon Griesser. “We’re thrilled to see the City of Guadalupe utilize 3CE funding to take action with those same goals in mind. Transportation is a leading contributor to emissions, and public transportation is a crucial service. This electric bus will improve local transportation services and local air quality, a win-win for members of the community and the environment.  Looking ahead, 3CE’s fleet electrification programs will do even more to support regional transit agencies and the health benefits of clean air.”

The bus fits 29 seated passengers and two wheelchairs. Smooth is the city’s public transportation provider and is expected to deploy the bus early next month along the city’s local route.

“Smooth has served as the sole public transportation contractor for Guadalupe since 1998,” said Fil Simas, Executive Director of Smooth. “We’re using this zero-emissions transit bus as a learning curve for future buses and the operators say they’re happy with how quiet the bus runs.”

Battery electric buses run on electricity only and require recharging their onboard battery packs from an external battery source. The City of Guadalupe’s battery electric transit bus is temporarily charging at the Water Treatment Plant at 5145 W Main Street. The city plans to install a more central charging location which it anticipates funding in part with additional energy program rebates and technical assistance from 3CE.

About Central Coast Community Energy
Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) is a public agency that sources competitively priced electricity from clean and renewable energy resources. 3CE is locally controlled and governed by board members who represent each community served by the agency. Revenue generated by 3CE stays local and helps keep electricity rates affordable for customers, while also funding innovative energy programs designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic development. 3CE provides service to approximately 450,000 customer meters, or more than 1 million people throughout the Central Coast, including residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in communities located within Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more at 3CEnergy.org and on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For more information:

Central Coast Community Energy 
Lena Watterson
Communications Specialist
831-641-7206 
lwatterson@3ce.org