As a conservation agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife headquarters and regional offices are interested in pursuing alternative sustainable transportation options wherever feasible. At the same time, Refuge staff and other federal lands managers have expressed an interest in, and desire for, vehicles that meet their special needs, including provision of interpretive tours and access to environmentally sensitive areas. Volpe conducted a research effort into alternative fuel vehicle options for refuges and public lands, namely electric-drive and hybrid-electric vehicles.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife placed five electric trams in service at five National Wildlife Refuges in early 2012. This report describes how the agency is using the trams and evaluates how well the trams are performing.

Collectively, the trams have been well-received and are liked by visitors and staff alike for their easy and quiet operation, which is particularly important to groups eager to view birds and other wildlife that are sensitive to noise. While some trams are similar in design and layout, they have achieved varying results, which are summarized in the report and presented by vehicle type.

Final Report, February 2017:
Commercially Available Electric Tram Evaluation Evaluation Results (PDF)