Universal Studios Hollywood All Electric Tour Trams

It’s quieter now on the Universal Studios Tour when guests ride on one of the new electric trams. The idea to convert Universal Studios diesel-hydraulic tour trams began in 2017, and now there are four trams completed that are providing cleaner, quieter and more environment friendly trams.

This conversion process is made possible by a grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the local regulatory agency that works to reduce air pollution in the region. The grant provides funding to replace older equipment with cleaner ones that are cost-effective and reduce air-pollution. The funding was also provided by an investment from Comcast NBCUniversal and Southern California Edison through its Charge Ready Transport Program.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

“It is truly so exciting to see initiatives like Universal Studios Hollywood’s new fleet of electric Studio Tour trams come to fruition – initiatives that show our public and private entities working together to do our part to combat air quality and climate change,” said L.A. Councilman Nithya Raman. “As a new member of the South Coast Air Quality Management Board, I am looking to broaden these types of collaborations and accelerate the positive impacts they will have for our region and world. Our climate crisis demands we do this.”

The amusement park calculates that all of their 21 tour trams in the fleet will be converted from diesel to the first ever largest battery-powered, off road, high-torque and low speed mass people movers by 2025.

All electric tour tram

“I’m extremely proud of this innovative undertaking and out commitment to creating a zero-emissions Studio Tour fleet in collaboration with our parent company and local partners,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to transform our business in line with Comcast NBCUniversal’s carbon neutral goal, all while pioneering first-class attractions for our guests.”

There are three differences on an electric tram. Green letters spell out Universal Studios on the side of the tram. The diesel powered trams have yellow letters. Second, there is a video introduction by NBC’s TODAY Weather Anchor Al Roker is featured saying, “The Universal Studio Tour has always been a groundbreaking attraction with lots of thrills, excitement and scary moments. I’m honored to be part of an experience for adults and children to learn about these best-in-class electric trams that will transport them around this iconic studio lot and help the environment,” said Al Roker.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The full conversion not only helps to reduce carbon emissions, it improves the guest experience by reducing noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine. Trams are quieter as they pass Soundstages filming The Kelly Clarkson Show, America Song Contest, Despicable Me, and The Voice.

Charging these electric trams is from an installation of inductive charging technology by WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification) by Ideanomics. Trams charge during the normal operation at the start and end of the route. The brakes offer a regenerative feature as they travel downhill, providing added energy efficiency.

To learn more visit universalstudioshollywood.com.