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EVZion demonstrates small-scale environmentally sound, zero-emission, electric vehicle (EV) shuttle system through the east entrance of Zion National Park (ZNP). The project has been designed for universal scalability, with deployment in other high-traffic, environmentally sensitive National and State Parks throughout the United States.
- EV development and deployment pilot study
- Regional transportation system
- Scalable & replicable
- Increase regional resiliency and connectivity
- Mitigates environmental impacts
- Reduction in energy consumption, vehicle traffic and pollutant emissions, and ambient noise.
Promising Outcomes
EVZion helped inform the blueprint for a high-tech, zero-emission shuttle program launched in January 2020. Developed in collaboration with rural stakeholders, it offers a scalable, environmentally sustainable transportation solution for Zion National Park and its gateway communities. The pilot demonstrated how electric shuttles can reduce traffic congestion, emissions, and environmental impacts while significantly improving the visitor experience
EVZion Shuttle
Right-Sized and Improved Movement
Mt. Carmel Tunnel was built in 1930 and has long struggled to accommodate oversized vehicles. By deploying right-sized shuttles tailored specifically to the narrow tunnel, EVZion improved traffic flow as well as visitor experience.
Prime For Replication
EVZion serves as a blueprint for future transportation projects and transit planning in rural gateway communities and the National Park Service across the United States.
Improved Experiences and Public Support
Public interest surged following the unveiling of the EVZion all-electric shuttles in August 2023, showing widespread support for Smart Mobility solutions including transit for workforce and communities.
The Future of EVZion
Image source: Connected Wise
Visual-Enhanced Cooperative Traffic Operations (VECTOR) System Pilot
Utah Clean Cities and partners at Zion National Park and the Zion Local Services District are working in collaboration with the Utah Department of Transportation and a research team led by the University of South Florida to test and demonstrate the Visual-Enhanced Cooperative Traffic Operations (VECTOR) system in a rural setting within and surrounding Zion National Park. This low cost and flexible light-code communication platform enables energy and cost efficient communication between vehicles and infrastructure such as road signage. The project will pilot the VECTOR technology on the EVZion shuttles with real-time data collection while simultaneously supporting electric shuttle operations within the park on a route from Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to Mt. Carmel Junction.
“We proudly recognized Zion National Park for creating the largest and most advanced fuel-efficient transit system in the National Park Service. At the heart of this success is Frank Austin. Frank has skillfully guided the fleet through every transition, including the recent shift to 100% electric, all while ensuring that the propane shuttles continue to run flawlessly every day.”
– Tammie Bostick, Executive Director, Utah Clean Cities and Communities
“The Park has been looking to have a visitor center east of Zion Park for 30 plus years. With the increase in visitation that Zion has seen in the last decade, it’s become a necessary addition to the area. We were at a point in the design of thinking about the new electrified shuttle system that will originate out of the new Discovery Center. We were introduced to the Clean Cities Group and helped solve for that.”
-Kevin McLaws, Owner, Zion Mountain Ranch
Join us in celebrating Zion National Park with the first ever Utah Clean Cities and Communities Beyond Zero Green Fleets Award! We are delighted to highlight the propane shuttle fleet that has served the park for over twenty years. Thank you and congratulations Zion National Park!
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