Challenges and Hopes for a Cleaner Bus Future
In recent years, there has been a substantial investment of taxpayer dollars in adding electric buses to transit fleets across the United States, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. However, many cities are now grappling with issues related to these electric buses, ranging from software glitches and mechanical problems to a lack of replacement parts. For instance, Asheville, North Carolina, expressed frustration with three out of five electric buses purchased in 2018 now sitting idle due to various issues. Similarly, Colorado Springs' Mountain Metropolitan Transit faced problems with two out of four e-buses acquired in 2021, despite significant government grants covering their costs. These problems are exacerbated by the fact that the manufacturer of these buses, Proterra, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August, despite being a major player in the e-bus market.
The situation has prompted some cities to halt their purchases of all-electric transit vehicles temporarily and opt for hybrid models until electric vehicle technology improves. On the flip side, Proterra is making efforts to bounce back after its transit bus division was acquired by Phoenix Motorcars. They plan to focus on resolving parts availability issues and improving service for customers who have experienced problems.
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WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR MY INDUSTRY?
Electric buses and electric trucks often use the same tech and charging setups. So, what happens with buses can teach us a thing or two about electric trucking headaches and solutions. The reliability of charging stations for electric buses can give us a hint about what to expect from electric trucks and delivery vehicles. If buses run into problems… it could signal potential issues for our trucking chargers.
If electric buses struggle with getting parts and service, it's a red flag for supply chain issues as well. That's something we all need to keep an eye on because it affects the reliability of our electric vehicle fleets. Going electric with buses and trucks is a big step in reducing transportation emissions - so learning from the bus world's challenges can help us smooth out our own transition to cleaner energy in the logistics and trucking game. The issues facing electric buses can impact government policies and funding for electric transportation. If they're having problems, it might affect the incentives and grants we get in our industry.
🔥 OUR HOT TAKE?
Rather than simply pouring more taxpayer money into electric buses, cities should consider their priorities. The idea of temporarily halting electric bus purchases and opting for hybrid models could possibly be a step in the right direction, but it may be more prudent to invest in improving existing transit infrastructure and exploring alternative solutions that do not rely solely on electric vehicles.
Prioritizing practicality and efficiency over the strict pursuit of a green image may be the simplest way forward, especially when it comes at the expense of taxpayers and the functionality of public transportation systems.
South Korea has welcomed the U.S. decision to extend electric vehicle tax credits for cars containing Chinese graphite until 2026.