Continuing its ambitious path toward a carbon-free campus by 2029, Cal Maritime today introduced its first all-electric passenger van in a socially distanced ribbon-cutting event attended by University officials, faculty, students, government representatives, and industry partners. The shuttle will be used on campus for transporting students from residence halls to central campus, for off-campus shopping and student activities, as well as for transportation to local athletic competitions.

The 10-seat zero-emission transit van features 86 kWhs of battery capacity with a range of 102-137 miles. The vehicle can be charged in three hours by a 25 kW DC fast charger located next to the University’s upper residence hall, Maritime North, one of main stops on its route. Fully owned by Cal Maritime, the new van was partially funded by Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Solano Transportation Authority (STA), and Cal Maritime’s Class of 76. It replaces a previously leased gasoline bus.

“This is a proud day for us,” said Cal Maritime President Tom Cropper. “Last year I issued a challenge to our academy that we would transition our entire campus to clean and renewable energy by the year 2029. That’s our centennial -- just nine short years away. Today the first domino fell, and that’s the introduction of this great capability. We’re going to be accelerating our efforts to address global climate challenges and this is just the first one—so remember this day,” he added.

Cal Maritime’s Director of Energy and Sustainability Sheikh Nayeem, who spearheaded the project, underscored both its collaborative nature and academic value.

“This has been a team effort,” Nayeem said. “Our industry partners, local officials, faculty, staff, students and alumni all worked together to provide an environmentally friendly solution to our transportation needs. Our new “Keelhauler van” is a visible sign of Cal Maritime’s commitment to sustainability, both in our practices and in our curriculum.”

The project has also served as internship opportunity to students, providing exposure to various aspects of the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, including its economic, environmental, and engineering aspects.

The vehicle, a Ford Transit 350HD, was modified to be fully electric by Lightning Systems, Inc. in Loveland, Colorado. The van was upfitted to meet ADA requirements by NorCal Vans of Chico, California. The charger, also sold by Lightning Systems, was installed by Otto Construction.

More infrastructure for Cal Maritime’s ongoing electrification can be found in the University’s main parking lot, where 30 electric chargers were installed earlier in the summer in partnership with PG&E and STA. The new electric van can also utilize these chargers in between trips around campus.