Ride Calhoun Adds First Electric Vehicle to RC FLEX Fleet

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Transportation Authority of Calhoun County (TACC), also known as Ride Calhoun, has officially added its first electric vehicle to the RC FLEX fleet, marking a new milestone in the organization's efforts to provide reliable, accessible and forward-looking transportation options for the Calhoun County community.

Ride Calhoun unveiled the new 2025 Ford E-Transit during a ribbon-cutting celebration Thursday, Sept. 17, at its Battle Creek headquarters. The electric van and accompanying charging station were provided by Consumers Energy, helping Ride Calhoun introduce electric vehicle technology into its growing RC FLEX service. 

The new vehicle will serve riders throughout the RC FLEX service area and is equipped with a wheelchair lift to help ensure the service remains accessible to riders of varying mobility needs. As Ride Calhoun's first electric vehicle, the van also provides an opportunity to explore the benefits of EV technology in public transportation.

"We're incredibly grateful to Consumers Energy for helping Ride Calhoun take this important step forward," said Mallory Avis, executive director of Ride Calhoun. "Adding our first electric vehicle to the RC Flex fleet shows our commitment to providing reliable transportation while continuing to invest in a more sustainable future for the county." 

The addition comes as Ride Calhoun continues to expand transportation options designed around the needs of Calhoun County residents. RC FLEX provides flexible, on-demand transportation, connecting riders with employment, healthcare, shopping, education, and other essential destinations throughout the community. The new electric van builds on that service while introducing a new technology to Ride Calhoun's fleet. 

For Consumers Energy, the partnership is an opportunity to support both local transportation while giving Calhoun County residents greater exposure to electric vehicle technology. 

"Consumers Energy is proud to provide this electric van, which is an example of our work to help the communities we serve every day," said Greg Moore, Consumers Energy’s community affairs manager. "This new vehicle will help Ride Calhoun reduce costs and introduce people who live in Calhoun County to EV technology in action. We're excited to see this vehicle hit the road."

As the new van begins serving RC FLEX riders, Ride Calhoun will continue building on its mission to connect people across Calhoun County with the places and opportunities that matter to them. The addition of the electric vehicle reflects that ongoing commitment while opening the door to new possibilities for how the organization serves the community in the years ahead. 

The Transportation Authority of Calhoun County (TACC), operating as Ride Calhoun, provides public transportation services connecting residents to employment, health care, education, shopping and community resources. TACC is committed to advancing safe, reliable and accessible transportation options that improve quality of life and expand access to opportunity throughout Calhoun County.

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