When guests visit Universal Studios Hollywood in the coming years, they can breathe easy as they board the new clean-air electric Studio Tour trams before being whisked away through Universal’s backlot.
Universal Studios Hollywood announced they are working with Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Transport Program to convert its fleet of 21 trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric motors. The new enhancements will help reduce carbon emissions and improve the guest experience by reducing noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine.
“I am extremely proud of this innovative undertaking and our commitment to creating a zero-emissions Studio Tour fleet in collaboration with our parent company and local partners,” said Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to transform our business in line with Comcast NBCUniversal’s carbon-neutral goal, all while pioneering first-class attractions for our guests.”
We're excited to partner with Universal Studios Hollywood to power the new electric trams. We hope to help the studio and other large companies find innovative ways to meet California's clean energy goals of being powered by 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045."
Katie Sloan, SCE VP of Customer Programs & Services
SCE’s Business Customer Division worked with Universal to select the Charge Ready Transport Program’s customer-build rebate option that provides a rebate to cover up to 80% of the estimated average utility direct cost for installing the charging infrastructure.
“We’re excited to partner with Universal Studios Hollywood to power the new electric trams,” said Katie Sloan, SCE vice president of Customer Programs & Services. “We hope to help the studio and other large companies find innovative ways to meet California’s clean energy goals of being powered by 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.”
The new trams will automatically charge throughout the day using an advanced new wireless charging system from Salt Lake City, UT-based WAVE. During regularly scheduled stops, roadway-embedded pads will transfer power over a small air gap to receiver plates mounted on the underside of the trams. The system is fully automated, hands-free and cable-free. The trams also include a regenerative braking feature that provides bonus energy when they travel downhill.
SCE launched the Charge Ready Transport Program in 2019 to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure support for medium- and heavy-duty EVs within SCE’s 50,000-square-mile service area. The $356 million program aims to support charging for nearly 8,500 electric industrial vehicles over the next few years.
The program provides an opportunity for qualifying businesses to have electric distribution infrastructure installed to support charging stations for an EV fleet at low-to-no cost to the business. Businesses may also qualify to receive a charging equipment rebate to offset part of the cost to buy charging stations. Once charging stations are set up, companies can choose from time-of-use business rate options that can help lower EV charging costs.
SCE believes the electrification of light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is vital to achieving a clean energy future. SCE’s Pathway 2045, the company’s analysis of what must be done to meet state climate goals, concludes that California will need to electrify 33% of heavy-duty vehicles, 66% of medium-duty vehicles and 75% of passenger cars by 2045.
To learn more about SCE’s EVs for business programs, visit sce.com/evbusiness/overview.
NBC's Al Roker Announces Electric Tram Conversion of Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.
