Students at Missouri University of Science and Technology can ride in style on campus while learning about fuel efficiency thanks to a new electric shuttle bus. The bus will begin operation on campus on Monday, April 14.

Missouri S&T received a grant from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase the eBus shuttle to help protect the environment and promote energy independence.

Dr. Mehdi Ferdowsi, associate professor of electrical engineering at S&T, will lead research to examine the shuttle’s integration into the campus in order to learn about vehicle battery performance under varying conditions. S&T researchers will also document public acceptance of alternatively fueled transit vehicles.

The Missouri S&T eBus is a fully electric-powered, plug-in shuttle with its own charging station on campus. The eBus is expected to average 80 miles per charge. It can accommodate 22 seated passengers and another 10 standing passengers. There will be no charge for S&T faculty, staff and students to use the shuttle during the spring 2014 semester.

“As a Climate Leadership Award winner, Missouri S&T continually demonstrates that we are leaders in new technology for environmental protection,” says Angela Rolufs, director of the office of sustainable energy and environmental engagement at S&T. “The shuttle is a great opportunity for students to study and experience electric travel first hand.”

The bus will complete a loop around the S&T campus twice an hour from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will leave its terminal at E3 Commons and first stop at Miner Village. From there, the shuttle will make stops at Emerson Hall, Centennial Hall, the Havener Center and the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building before returning to the E3 Commons.

Local bus company, USA Tours, will provide the eBus with drivers under a service contract with Missouri S&T. More information about the eBus can be found at ose3.mst.edu.