Part of a plan to eliminate all carbon emissions by 2035, Island Transit acquired two electric vans this month with nine more on the way.

Strategizing of Island Transit’s zero-emissions plan started in August 2022. Accommodating Island County’s unique rural environment, the plan had to outline solutions for sustained power outage and 300-plus-mile routes. The board approved the plan in March 2023.

The two newest members of the fleet are the E Ford 350EL model Lightning eMotors battery electric vehicles donning the organization’s brand-new design: stripes of green, blue and purple gradients behind simple linework of orcas, homes, trees and sunshine.

“They are a visual representation of the agency’s transformative journey,” said Selene, Muldowney-Stratton, Island County Marketing & Communications Officer, “not just changing our visual identity; marking a visual realignment to reflect its evolving mission, goals and services under the Maximized and Zero Emission Initiatives.”

The new vans will support paratransit, or un-fixed routes, and on-demand services, but will be flexible, Muldowney-Stratton said. On top of working toward energy sustainability, Island Transit strives for improving transit access and expanding first and last-mile connectivity.

Since last March, Island Transit has incorporated five battery electric vehicles into its rideshare program and installed two new vehicle charging stations at the Coupeville transit facility.

“The battery electric vans represent a significant milestone in the agency’s history as it moves toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation model,” said Muldowney-Stratton.