Buffalo, N.Y. – September 04, 2026 -- The University at Buffalo has put eight new 40-foot battery-electric transit buses into service, marking the first phase of a diesel-to-electric transition for its Stampede fleet, which carries approximately 16,000 passengers daily.
Electrification of first eight buses is projected to cut 5,984 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
UB, transportation provider WeDriveU and fleet electrification specialist Zenobē estimate the shift will deliver a 55.6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with diesel-powered service, equivalent to removing roughly 1,395 cars from the road.
UB commits to zero-emissions campus by 2030, ahead of New York's 2045 mandate
The rollout supports UB's '10 in 10' roadmap targeting a fully zero-emissions fleet by 2030 -- 15 years ahead of the deadline set under New York Executive Order 22 for state-operated heavy-duty vehicles. The full Stampede fleet will continue transitioning away from diesel over the next four years.
Ten chargers now operating at WeDriveU's Buffalo service center to support fleet
Zenobē has installed ten chargers at WeDriveU's Buffalo, NY customer service center to support the electrified buses. The project traces back to June 2024, when UB selected WeDriveU to manage campus transportation, with Zenobē delivering the charging infrastructure through its existing global partnership with WeDriveU's parent company, Mobico Group.
"Fleet operators and institutions need confidence that their electric buses will be ready to perform every day," said Matt Curwood, Vice President, Business Development - Transit, Zenobē North America. "Zenobē's giving that certainty through thoughtful planning, reliable charging infrastructure and long-term operational support."
Christopher Austin, UB Director of Parking and Transportation, said the new buses improve rider experience while advancing the university's environmental targets.