Hawai’i Airport Adds Three New Electric Transit Trams

Sustainability Partners, a public benefit company that enables public entities to fund, deploy, and maintain sustainable infrastructure through as-a-service models, delivered three electric transit trams with trailers for the Wiki Wiki Shuttle at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. The deployment was completed in coordination with the State of Hawai‘i fleet electrification contract. Sustainability Partners reported the news on PR Newswire on February 17, 2026.

The new trams, MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy models manufactured by Moto Electric Vehicles, will transport domestic passengers between terminals and concourses as part of the airport’s free intra-airport Wiki Wiki Shuttle service. The vehicles enhance on-site passenger mobility while supporting Hawai‘i’s broader transition to lower-emission ground transportation.

“The Wiki Wiki Shuttle is a vital part of daily operations, connecting passengers comfortably between terminals and concourses,” said Hawai’i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “Adding these low-cost electric trams improves the airport experience, removing the noise and odor of our old transports and increasing energy efficiency.”

The project was executed through Sustainability Partners’ Electric Vehicles as a Service (EVaaS) platform, which addresses common barriers to fleet electrification, including procurement, vehicle customization, charging infrastructure coordination, and long-term maintenance. The EVaaS model provides programmatic delivery and ongoing support to help agencies scale electrification initiatives efficiently.

The Wiki Wiki electric fleet includes:

• Three ADA-capable MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy electric trams with trailers, configured for airport shuttle operations
• Vehicles assembled in the United States with American-made components
• Coordinated charging infrastructure designed to meet daily operational requirements
• Integrated, technology-ready monitoring systems, including camera and GPS capabilities, to enhance fleet visibility and safety

“These new electric trams help modernize the Wiki Wiki Shuttle while supporting Hawai’i’s broader transition to lower-emission transportation. By combining vehicle delivery, charging coordination, and ongoing support through our Electric Vehicles as a Service model, we help public agencies reduce complexity and scale electrification with confidence,” said Arnold Albiar, Sustainability Partners’ Managing Partner of Hawai’i.

Through its EVaaS structure, Sustainability Partners facilitates vehicle acquisition, infrastructure deployment, preventative maintenance, and lifecycle management without requiring upfront capital investment. Operating similarly to a utility model, the company charges a month-to-month usage fee, enabling states, municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals to modernize essential infrastructure while ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why Electric Shuttles Make Operational and Economic Sense

Electric shuttles are becoming an increasingly practical choice for airports, universities, corporate campuses, and hospitality properties that rely on moving passengers efficiently. The shift is not just about sustainability goals. It is also about operational performance and long-term cost savings.

Battery-electric shuttles produce zero tailpipe emissions. Unlike gasoline or diesel vehicles, they do not emit nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, or carbon dioxide during operation. In high-traffic areas such as airport terminals and curbside pickup zones, this leads to immediate improvements in local air quality. For airports working to reduce Scope 1 emissions and meet climate commitments, electrifying shuttle fleets is one of the most direct and visible steps available.

Electric drivetrains are also significantly quieter than internal combustion engines. Passengers experience a smoother, less disruptive ride, while drivers and ground crews benefit from a lower-noise working environment. In dense or mixed-use areas, reduced noise pollution improves community relations and helps operators comply with local sound regulations.

From a financial perspective, electric shuttles can reduce operating costs. Electricity is generally less expensive and more price-stable than gasoline or diesel on a per-mile basis. When fleets use managed charging or off-peak utility rates, energy costs can be lowered even further. For high-utilization shuttle routes, these savings add up quickly and create greater budget predictability.

Maintenance expenses are typically lower as well. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and eliminate the need for oil changes, exhaust system repairs, and many routine engine-related services. Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake components. The result is less downtime, fewer service intervals, and improved total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle.

There is also reputational value. Electric shuttle fleets visibly demonstrate a commitment to cleaner transportation. For airports and other public-facing operators, that commitment supports environmental, social, and governance objectives while strengthening public perception.