University expands EV fleet as part of its pledge to go carbon neutral by 2050.

Temple University is accelerating its sustainability journey with a growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles, reinforcing its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Today, one in five of the university’s 163 vehicles is either electric or hybrid, signaling a steady shift toward cleaner transportation.

The biggest leap forward has come with Flight, Temple’s nighttime shuttle service. Half of its vehicles are now electric, and the service is on track to become fully electric by next year. Each EV can travel 125 miles on a seven-hour charge, offering students safe, sustainable transport without adding to the city’s carbon footprint.

“Every vehicle owned by the university contributes to our emissions, and we take responsibility for that,” said Rebecca Collins, director of sustainability. “Expanding our EV fleet is a key step toward meeting our carbon neutrality goals.”

Electric and hybrid vehicles are also making their way into other departments, including Athletics, Public Safety, University Housing, and Parking Services. For example, Housing and Residential Life recently added its first fully electric van for material transport, while Public Safety introduced a hybrid vehicle expected to reduce fuel use by 25%.

The transition brings practical benefits too. “We’re saving time on fueling, lowering maintenance needs, and cutting costs,” noted Brandon Chandler, executive director of university housing and residential life.

Temple is also preparing for the future with expanded charging stations on campus and partnerships with energy providers. While the full transition will take years, the university’s progress shows a clear and determined path toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.