Vermont Electric Buses Fail in Cold, Costing $8 Million

Vermont's new electric buses are not working in the cold. They can only charge when it's warmer than 41°F, and they can only charge to 75%.
By Newsroom | Transportation, Environment |

A significant investment in electric buses in Vermont has encountered a major hurdle, with the vehicles proving unable to function in cold temperatures. This failure has disrupted public transit services and led to criticism of the state's green initiatives. The situation highlights challenges in deploying new technology in diverse climates and raises questions about the financial prudence of the project.

Background of the Electric Bus Initiative

Green Mountain Transit (GMT) in Vermont acquired a fleet of electric buses as part of the state's broader effort to reduce its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The project, funded by taxpayers, aimed to modernize the public transportation system and promote sustainable practices. However, the introduction of these buses has been met with operational difficulties that have placed the entire initiative on hold.

Operational Failures in Low Temperatures

The core issue revolves around the performance of the electric buses' batteries during cold weather.

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  • Charging Limitations: The bus batteries can only charge to 75 percent capacity and require temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit to do so. This means that during the cold Vermont winters, the buses are unable to gain sufficient charge to operate effectively.

  • Fleet Stoppage: Consequently, the entire fleet has become inoperable during periods of low temperature, forcing GMT executives to scramble to find alternative buses to maintain commuter services.

Manufacturer's Response and Timeline for Repairs

The manufacturer of the buses, New Flyer, has acknowledged the defect.

  • Battery Replacement: The company stated that the defective batteries will need to be replaced.

  • Extended Repair Period: However, a fix for the Vermont fleet is not expected to be completed for up to two years. This protracted timeline suggests a substantial manufacturing or design flaw.

Criticism of Green Initiatives

The operational failure of the electric buses has amplified existing criticisms of Vermont's environmental policies.

  • Increased Emissions: Critics point to the fact that local emissions in Vermont have actually risen over the past two decades, while the rest of the United States has seen a decrease. This trend contradicts the stated goals of green initiatives aimed at reducing emissions.

  • Financial Accountability: The estimated $8 million spent on the buses is now seen by some as a waste of taxpayer money, given the fleet's inability to perform its intended function.

Expert and Public Reactions

The situation has elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders.

  • Public Discontent: Commuters relying on GMT services have experienced disruptions, leading to frustration and a decline in trust in the public transit system's reliability.

  • Policy Scrutiny: The project's failure is prompting a review of how environmental initiatives are implemented and whether the technologies chosen are suitable for the local climate and operational demands.

Conclusion and Implications

The operational failure of Vermont's electric bus fleet underscores the complex challenges of integrating new, environmentally-focused technologies. The inability of the buses to charge and operate in cold weather, coupled with the lengthy repair timeline, has resulted in a significant disruption of public transit and a substantial financial outlay that has yielded minimal operational benefit. This incident calls into question the thoroughness of the vetting process for such projects and the feasibility of adopting green technologies without adequate consideration for environmental conditions. Moving forward, further investigation into the procurement and testing protocols for public transit investments may be warranted to prevent similar situations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Vermont's new electric buses stop working in winter?
The electric buses cannot charge their batteries properly when the temperature is below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. They can only charge to 75% capacity in the cold, making them unable to run.
Q: How much money did Vermont spend on the electric buses that are now broken?
Vermont spent about $8 million on the fleet of electric buses. These buses are currently not usable due to the cold weather problems.
Q: What is the manufacturer New Flyer doing about the broken electric buses in Vermont?
The bus maker, New Flyer, knows about the problem. They will replace the faulty batteries, but this fix is expected to take up to two years to complete for the Vermont fleet.
Q: Who is affected by Vermont's electric buses not working in the cold?
People who use public buses in Vermont are affected because services are disrupted. Taxpayers are also affected because $8 million was spent on buses that cannot be used in winter.
Q: What happens next with Vermont's electric bus project?
The buses need battery repairs that will take a long time. This failure is causing people to question Vermont's green projects and how money is spent on new technology.