CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In efforts to create cleaner air for the Charlotte region, the city is working to have 100% of its vehicle fleet and facilities fueled by zero-carbon sources by 2030.
Charlotte City Council approved a pilot program between Charlotte Area Transit System and eTransenergy back in 2018. They're hoping this program will help them meet their goal to make Charlotte a low-carbon city by 2050.
“Our sustainability goal is bold—some people would like to say it's unattainable, but we don’t use that word here in Charlotte," Mayor Vi Lyles said.
The city's fleet is made up of more than 4,200 vehicles from fire trucks to small sedans, but of that total only 88 of the vehicles are electric. Electric vehicles make up about 2% of the total number, which makes it a very ambitious goal for them to hit within the next eight years.
On Friday, in commemoration of Earth Day, CATS debuted a battery-powered electric bus. The vehicle is part of a pilot program aiding the city's initiative for a zero-emission bus fleet.
"What we are really talking about here is the health of our community and our impact on climate," Sarah Hazel, the sustainability and resilience officer for Charlotte, said.
"We are focused on whether the technology is there and replacing vehicles where there is an electric vehicle option," she added.
Right now there are 18 electric buses that will be tested for 12-18 months. Based on that assessment the goal is to expand all buses from diesel to electric and already the difference has been noticeable.
“By the way, I’ve been inside while it’s turned on and it is silent, it does not vibrate, it’s incredible," Mecklenburg County Commissioner Leigh Altman said.
City leaders say as they continue to test newer technology to ensure it meets service delivery needs, one of the biggest factors in helping them reach their goal is community and individual efforts.
"We haven’t been doing the work for decades, so there is a lot to do in a short period of time," Eric Zaverl, with Sustain Charlotte, said.
He said to help combat a problem that’s been ongoing for years, they’re advocating for smart land use and transportation choices.
"The history of separating where people work has caused so much driving and so much sitting in our cars, which also causes so many health issues as a nation," Zaverl said.
He said to bring change, they’re working to educate the community and provide people with a different experience that’s more sustainable.
"It's about creating not just a more efficient and low carbon city, but also its more enjoyable city," Zaverl said.
The city said they’re also hoping to create a bike-friendly, walkable, and public transit-friendly community.
They said that’s another huge component of helping them meet their 2050 goal.
In honor of Earth Day, Sustain Charlotte is honoring our region's smart growth and sustainability leaders.
You can find more information about the event here: Charlotte Sustainability Awards - Sustain Charlotte.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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