MCI delivered three zero-emission, battery-electric MCI J4500 CHARGE™ motorcoaches to Roberts Hawaii — the largest transportation provider in the Aloha State.

Roberts Hawaii is the first US operator to run the MCI J4500 CHARGE™ zero-emission coaches in tour and charter operations.

The Diesel Replacement Rebate Program

The 45-foot, 56-passenger luxury coaches are equipped with modern passenger amenities and safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, and American-made, high-energy batteries.

Supported by funding from the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Hawaii Department of Health through the Diesel Replacement Rebate Program, Roberts Hawaii fully electric motorcoaches help to meet the state’s net-negative emissions targets and future-skills workforce development initiatives.

With an 82-year history as the leader in transportation and tourism throughout the Islands, Roberts Hawaii sees the road to zero emissions as part of its continued legacy of innovation.

“Technology is our future which is why we are investing in it now,” said Roy Pfund, CEO of Roberts Hawaii. The company began its transformation to electric in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, applying for the state’s competitive grants and building the infrastructure required for the change.

“It’s a significant accomplishment to be the first to purchase and operate three new MCI J4500 electric motorcoaches in Hawaii,” added Pfund. “We recognize and appreciate our state’s energy office contributions, our employee owner’s commitment to EV adoption, and MCI for its support and expertise in the entire electric vehicle implementation. It has been a challenging and time-consuming process, but the first coaches are finally here. Our goal is to continually adopt new vehicle technology to maintain our leadership position within the transportation industry.”

MCI’s J4500 CHARGE

Emission-free and luxuriously appointed, the MCI J4500 CHARGE is the electric version of the J4500 motorcoach, which is also the most predominant and popular model in Roberts Hawaii’s fleet.

The electric model incorporates NFI’s advanced technology for greater efficiency and smooth handling, with next-generation, high-energy batteries that deliver long-range, quiet highway driving, according to the company.

“We are excited to showcase Roberts Hawaii’s leadership in hitting another major milestone in the move to zero emissions,” said Brent Maitland, VP, private sector sales and marketing, at MCI. “We are thrilled they continue to rely on MCI, and we look forward to supporting them in providing reliable, comfortable, and energy-efficient transportation to their tour and charter passengers.”

What’s Next

Roberts Hawaii will first launch the electric models in its city guided tours to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, and will make the coaches available to charter services.

To distinguish its electric coaches from others, an exterior coach decal depicts Roberts Hawaii’s iconic bunny holding an electric bolt.

“It communicates we are adapting with the times,” said Randy Baldemor, executive VP, Roberts Hawaii. “The phrase Malama Hawai’i — meaning to take care of Hawaiʿi — is also placed on the entrance door and rear panel, conveying our commitment to protecting Hawaiʿi’s environment through these and other similar investments in the future.”