GILLIG announced that it delivered the newest generation of its Battery Electric Buses to the Counties of Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. 

The high-capacity zero-emission buses were celebrated at Driving Hawai‘i Forward, a landmark event at Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 29, which brought together all four counties to showcase the statewide commitment to safe, efficient, and dependable public transportation.

Showcasing Sustainability 

Hosted in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), and Honolulu Harbor, four 35-foot GILLIG Battery Electric Buses, from each of Hawai‘i’s four counties, were displayed side by side. The gathering underscored a shared vision for reliable transit solutions grounded in local values.

“This is a proud day for Hawai‘i,” said John Nouchi, deputy director, transportation services, for the City and County of Honolulu. “The State Department of Transportation, City and County of Honolulu, and Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i counties have collaborated to bring you a reveal of the future of our state transportation networks. Together, they signify a quantum leap forward in our state’s commitment to green and sustainable transportation.”

GILLIG’s BEBs

The new Gillig Battery Electric buses are the latest generation of zero-emission vehicles, built on the company’s Low-Floor platform. 

Each new bus is equipped with 686 kWh of onboard energy storage and engineered to outperform and outlast, setting the industry standard for zero-emission performance, according to Gillig officials.

While the GILLIG bus representing Oʻahu at the event is part of the previous generation, it remains a proven workhorse. 

The 17 GILLIG Battery Electric Buses currently in service across the island average up to 200 miles per day, thanks to innovative scheduling and mid-day charging strategies, the company said. 

The newest generation of buses now being delivered to Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island offers over 35% more onboard energy storage, providing extended range and operational flexibility. 

Continuing Toward Zero Emissions

Honolulu anticipates adding up to 78 of these next-generation Battery Electric Buses in the coming years, continuing to lead by example in pursuit of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

“For more than 40 years, we've worked alongside Honolulu to support safe, reliable transit,” said Derek Maunus, CEO of GILLIG. “Now, seeing all four counties come together to drive Hawai‘i forward—each with our newest generation Battery Electric Buses — is significant. These buses reflect the collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose it takes to build transit systems that truly serve their communities. We’re proud to be part of that mission.”

Funding for the multi-county procurement included $11.2 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities programs, $3.53 million from the Hawai‘i State Energy Office via Volkswagen Settlement funds, and additional county contributions.