MTRWESTERN Leads The Charge As First U.S. Motorcoach Company To Offer Fully Electric Charter Buses

The newly added 45-foot CX45E models, from ABC Companies, provide a range of up to 270 miles on a single charge. (Photo courtesy of MTRWESTERN)

MTRWESTERN, a provider of motorcoach transportation services in the Pacific Northwest, has announced a significant expansion of its electric bus fleet with the addition of four new zero-emission vehicles. The company has acquired two new CX45E electric buses manufactured by ABC Companies and Van Hool as well as two new Ford E-Transit electric shuttle vans.

“The newly added 45-foot CX45E models from ABC Companies utilize the latest battery-electric vehicle technology to provide a range of up to 270 miles on a single charge,” according to a press release. “These state-of-the-art buses can carry up to 56 passengers and offer amenities like Wi-Fi and reclining seats. The two Ford E-Transit electric shuttle vans can transport up to 11 passengers while producing zero direct emissions.

“The new vehicle additions bring MTRWESTERN’s electric fleet to a total of five vehicles with current plans to add four more electric buses to the fleet by the end of 2025.”

“MTRWESTERN is committed to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint through sustainable transportation solutions,” MTRWESTERN President Jeremy Butzlaff said. “With these additions to our growing electric fleet, we are furthering our efforts to provide exceptional regional travel experiences while minimizing environmental impact.”

The release added: “MTRWESTERN’s EV charter bus journey started in 2021 in partnership with ABC Companies when they completed an unprecedented 1,700-mile U.S. round-trip pilot electric charter bus program. In August 2023, MTRWESTERN launched the first intercity electric bus service in the United States in partnership with Amtrak, operating the Amtrak Cascades bus route between Seattle, WA, and Bellingham, WA. The connector service saves approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year, cutting CO2 emissions by 109 tons or 218,000 pounds annually.”

For more information, visit: https://mtrwestern.com/news/mtrwestern-fully-electric-charter-buses/