Maryland Zoo Replaces Diesel-Powered Shuttles With All-Electric Fleet

3 years ago 384

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Stop by the Maryland Zoo sometime soon and you’ll announcement a caller fleet of shuttles is present disposable to cart visitors astir the park.

The zoo announced Tuesday it has replaced its diesel-powered shuttles with 3 all-electric vehicles, a determination that volition not lone prevention an estimated $30,000 a twelvemonth successful substance costs but besides shrink the zoo’s c footprint.

Visitors arriving astatine the zoo tin hitch a thrust connected the shuttles astatine Eagle Gate and past drawback a thrust backmost to the entranceway from the Naturalist Lodge.

“We are committed to doing our portion to trim adverse biology impacts connected the satellite and the taxon we stock it with,” Kirby Fowler, president and main enforcement serviceman for the Maryland Zoo, said. “Every measurement we instrumentality to trim reliance connected fossil fuels helps to further our ngo portion besides improving the Zoo environnment for some visitors and animals.”

The caller vehicles, 2 11-passenger shuttles and a 14-passenger shuttle, are packing 12 six-volt batteries, tin question up to 60 miles connected a azygous complaint and make zero emissions.

In a release, the fleet replacement was billed arsenic the latest successful a bid of steps the zoo has taken to marque the parkland much sustainable. Other measures see the summation of 3 electrical conveyance charging stations and the elimination of single-use plastics from concession stands.

The electrical shuttles were paid for successful portion by assistance backing from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s EPSA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.

Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles said the bureau is supportive of the zoo’s power to all-electric shuttles. Grumbles, who precocious returned from the United Nations’ Global Climate Summit, said it was a timely move.

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“Transportation electrification is cardinal to a greener and healthier time globally and locally,” helium said. “Cleaner aerial for the zoo’s visitors, employees, animals, and, especially, the galore children who bask the attractions means a brighter aboriginal for all.”