GHG Emissions, Commercial  -  December 31, 2019

Atlanta airport deploys zero-emission buses

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) deployed two Build Your Own Dreams zero-emissions buses to its terminal shuttle fleet just in time for the holiday travel rush.

The airport launched the two battery-electric K9M 40-foot buses to run between the international and domestic terminals and from the international terminal to the Rental Car Center. The battery in these buses carry a range of up to 150 miles and charge in two to three hours, built at BYD's Coach & Bus factory in Lancaster, Calif.

Since deploying the buses, ATL has already reduced its emissions by 70 metric tons and expects each bus to eliminate approximately 1,690 tons of CO2 over the lifetime of the bus. Each bus has the capacity to carry 22 passengers and luggage, compared to the old ones which carried 14.

“We applaud Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and its bold objective of becoming the world’s greenest airport,” BYD North America Vice President Patrick Duan said in a statement. “With their defined routes, airport shuttles are a natural next step for transportation electrification. BYD is proud to be part of this greening of ATL.”

The zero-emission buses are the latest initiative in ATL's larger GreeningATL program, including the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, improved water efficiency in the terminals and achieving the USGBC’s LEED for Communities Certification.

ATL is the third airport to purchase BYD buses, following Kansas City International Airports and Los Angeles World Airports