In May, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) will become the first public body to use electric, zero-emission buses in the Research Triangle. With funding from The Airport Zero Emissions Airport Vehicle (ZEV) and Infrastructure Pilot Program, the new buses will transport people from ParkRDU Economy lots to other terminals.

According to an email sent out by RDU Media Relations, ZEV and Infrastructure Pilot Program was launched in 2012. This program allows airports to use federal funds to purchase zero-emission vehicles, in which they provide grant funds for up to 50 percent of the costs of the vehicles. 

RDU spent about $3.4 million on the eco-friendly buses, the email stated. However, each of the four busses will save up to $350,000 over its lifetime, because of the lack of diesel. 

“We’re most excited about the environmental benefits these buses provide,” Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, said. “We hope other institutions will follow our lead in adding electric vehicles to their fleets”