City of Glendora Implements Efficient Transit with Karsan e-Jest Minibuses

Sustainable, efficient, and perfectly sized for our neighborhoods—the future of city transit has arrived in Glendora.

We are thrilled to announce that Electric Vehicle Choice (EVC) has officially delivered three Karsan e-Jest electric minibuses to the City of Glendora. These vehicles aren’t just a new way to get around; they represent a smarter approach to public infrastructure.

Why the Microbus Matters

We’ve all seen it: a massive 45-passenger city bus lumbering through narrow streets, carrying only a handful of passengers. It’s a common sight that highlights a major inefficiency in modern transit.

The Karsan e-Jest solves this by "right-sizing" the fleet. For routes typically serving 12 passengers or less, the e-Jest microbus offers a vastly more efficient option while enhancing the quality of the ride.

Smarter, Safer, and Cleaner

By integrating the e-Jest into their fleet, Glendora is leading the way in creating smarter, safer routes. Here is how this clean technology is bettering the community:

• Superior Maneuverability: Its compact 20-foot design allows it to navigate tight residential streets and city centers where larger buses struggle.

• Full Accessibility: Designed with a low floor and an automated ramp, it provides "smart accessibility" for a full range of mobilities, including seniors and those with strollers or wheelchairs.

• Zero Emissions: Built with 100% electric power (featuring BMW i battery technology), these buses eliminate tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air for our residents.

• Cost Savings: Moving to a microbus significantly reduces the city's fuel and maintenance costs compared to traditional, oversized diesel buses.

At EVC, we are proud to help cities like Glendora transition to zero-emission technology that actually makes sense for their daily needs.

Interested in seeing how the Karsan e-Jest can optimize your local transit? Visit our website or reach out to the EVC team to learn more about our latest deliveries and electric conversions.

Relief for Large Fleets, Uncertainty for Smaller Ones: CARB Withdraws ACF Waiver

EV Choice Showcases Zero Emissions Truck Technology to Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023.

California Air Resources Board (CARB) has withdrawn its request for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver for the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation. This is positive news for large private fleets (operating 50 or more vehicles) as it removes the mandate forcing them to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in exchange for certain benefits. This shift has now brought the focus to continuing state incentives through the California HVIP program for direct point-of-sales rebates to motivate fleets to invest in zero emissions vehicles on their own.

However, this withdrawal may negatively impact smaller fleets in the future. Senate Bill 350 currently remains in effect, requiring California to achieve zero-emission vehicle sales by 2045. CARB is still responsible for creating regulations to meet this ambitious goal.

Without ACF, what does this mean?

• Public agencies: The withdrawal has no impact on public agencies as the state retains the authority to enforce environmental regulations within its own jurisdiction.

• Large private fleets: They are no longer subject to the mandatory ZEV transition under the ACF program.

  
  

It is anticipated that CARB will implement alternative strategies to achieve its zero-emission goals.

These may include:

• Leveraging existing programs: Utilizing the Clean Truck Check (CTC) program and restricting vehicle registrations based on age (e.g., denying registration for vehicles older than 13 years) to gradually phase out older, more polluting vehicles.

• Targeting specific vehicle model years: Potentially banning the registration of vehicles with 2010-2013 model year engines starting in 2027.

  
  

While end-users still have the option to purchase either internal combustion engine (ICE) or ZEV vehicles, dealerships are likely to prioritize ZEV sales due to the ongoing implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation.

Key takeaway: The withdrawal of the ACF waiver shifts the focus of California's zero-emission vehicle transition. While large fleets may benefit from the removal of the mandatory ACF program, smaller fleets and the broader transportation sector could expect to encounter restrictions aimed at achieving the state's climate goals.

How EVC's Early Adopters are Paving the Way to Zero Emissions

These business are proving they're built different. Some leaders see a change on the horizon and push their way ahead of it. The reward for the extra hustle? Maximized incentives that will never be seen again, and zero emissions compliance ahead of the curve.

Cal Energy's SEA Electric 5E with Custom Lift-Gate

First on our starting line-up is Cal Energy Operating Corporation. Having taken delivery of the SEA Electric 5E EV in June of 2023 with a custom lift-gate allowing this heavy-duty ZEV truck to be their first EV purchase, Cal Energy is phasing in zero emissions for transportation within their own network of locations. They are ready to soon take delivery of the Phoenix Motorcars Zeus 500 to further their efforts in not only providing green energy but implementing sustainability throughout their operations.

Advance Plastics' SEA Electric 5E Box Truck

Next in the all-star lineup is Advance Plastics, a custom plastic injection molder based in San Diego County, CA. For their customers preferring delivery of products locally, Advance Plastics utilized $129k in HVIP rebates to purchase the SEA Electric 5E in order to deliver products manufactured for their customers like the Spooner Balance Boards, which are unique tools that teach kids to surf.

Last but not least, is it possible to have a "clean" trash business? Absolutely! And Key Disposal has their sights set on a clean, green future as they seek to be the cleanest trash company in town!

This family owned and operated business has been serving our community for the past 60 years with waste collection and recycling. Key Disposal is dedicated to the environment always seeking better ways to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle! So it is absolutely fitting that they were one of EV Choice’s first zero emissions customers getting ahead of the EV game!

Johnnie and Juan with Key Disposal

"Electric trucks are the way to go for these," says Johnnie, owner of Key Disposal. "This is the first truck I’ve bought that I didn’t have to take back. All I do is park it in the lot and plug it in.”

Key Disposal is dedicated to creating cost effective solutions for recycling, diverting and materials recovery of collections for the goal of protecting the environment. This means that going zero emissions is no question in supporting the company’s vision of being a positive force for the environment in the greater LA community.

Juan, Key Disposal's lead mechanic, was shaking his head in disbelief at first. But after a thorough inspection, circling the vehicle completely, he turned to Johnnie with a grin and declared, "No more oil changes!"

“Diesels, I’m done with them," says Johnnie. "They have done nothing but cost me money.”

Key Disposal's SEA 5E EV Trash Bin Hauler