Visit Bellevue today announced new vehicle upgrades to the BellHop program, Bellevue’s free electric shuttle service. Three new 2025 Kia EV9 vehicles have been added into service, making BellHop one of the first Circuit programs in the nation to integrate these advanced vehicles into free public transportation. The fleet now includes eight vehicles – three Kia EV9s and five Waev GEMs – reinforcing the program’s commitment to innovative, sustainable mobility solutions for the community.
The new vehicles offer several key advantages:
- Reduced charging time: Keeps vehicles on the road longer, increasing service hours and reaching more riders.
- Climate control: Ensures a more comfortable ride in all seasons.
- Faster travel speeds: Improves response times for more efficient pick-ups.
- Testing new possibilities: Opens opportunities to explore new expanded service areas and enhance ADA accessibility in the future.
BellHop is a Belle The Bobcat Approved Mode of Transportation! (Credit: Visit Bellevue)
“BellHop continues to operate as a free, on-demand service, and we’re incredibly grateful for the dedicated support of Circuit, the City of Bellevue, Amazon, and the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA), in partnership with Visit Bellevue,” said Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue. “This collaboration and shared commitment to innovation are fueling growth and helping us build a stronger, more resilient future for our residents, workforce, and visitors.”
"The EV9's versatility makes it ideal for our micro-transit platform," said Mark Iannon, Circuit’s Partnerships Manager. "By routing longer ride requests to the EV9s while using GEM shuttles for shorter trips in densely populated areas, we can maximize efficiency and enhance the overall user experience."
Since its inception in August 2023, BellHop has provided over 134,000 rides, covered more than 113,407 miles, and prevented 59.46 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
“The use of the new KIA EV9 vehicles and the ability to offer faster service to the community benefits the entire city," said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. "By reducing greenhouse gas emissions with electric vehicles that provide accessible, sustainable options, it touches many Bellevue priorities. We are updating our 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan and are proud to draw inspiration from innovative opportunities like these."
“At Amazon, we’re committed to providing our employees with thoughtful commuting solutions that enhance flexibility and promote sustainability,” said Shannon Loew, Vice President of Global Real Estate & Facilities at Amazon. “BellHop has been an integral transportation solution for Amazon employees and the community by electrifying urban mobility and reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips in Bellevue. We applaud this continued investment in innovative and sustainable options that contribute to a greener, more connected future for the regions we call home.”
BellHop is one of the first Circuit programs in the nation to integrate the Kia EV9, advancing the future of free, electric public transportation. As an early adopter, Visit Bellevue is proud to lead the way in innovative, sustainable mobility solutions for the community.
About Visit Bellevue
Visit Bellevue Washington (VBW) is Bellevue’s official Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO), representing the city’s hotels, the Meydenbauer Convention Center, and the Bellevue hospitality community, and is funded by the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA). A safe, walkable, and easily accessible city, Bellevue provides a vibrant fusion of welcoming hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, lively culture, outdoor recreation and world-class shopping. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty with big-city amenities, Bellevue offers a wide variety of entertainment experiences and is home to innovative global corporations. Follow Visit Bellevue on social media @visitbellevue and join the conversation.
