Asheville, North Carolina – The city of Asheville, North Carolina, is facing challenges with its investment in electric buses as maintenance issues continue to plague the fleet. Out of the five electric buses purchased in 2018, three are currently out of commission due to a combination of software issues and mechanical problems. Furthermore, one bus has had a broken door since July, and the replacement is unavailable due to the bankruptcy of the bus manufacturer, Proterra.
According to Asheville’s interim transportation director, Jessica Morriss, the city has been unable to obtain new doors as there is no third party that manufactures them. The recent bankruptcy of Proterra has left their operations shut down, leaving existing bus owners uncertain about when they can expect parts and services to become available. This situation has led to an indefinite pause in Asheville’s investment in any electric technology until they can ensure the reliability and functionality of the products they acquire.
The setbacks faced by Asheville are not only causing financial losses but also increasing wear and tear on the remaining buses in the fleet. Each electric bus cost the city at least $616,000, with an additional $200,000 spent on installing chargers and $118,000 annually for leasing batteries. Furthermore, the city incurs nearly $45,500 in electric costs each year to charge the buses, alongside maintenance costs exceeding $250,000.
The two electric buses that are still operational have limited range, only able to travel approximately 78 miles in the wintertime before needing to recharge for several hours. This limitation further adds to the challenges faced by Asheville’s transit system.
Despite these setbacks, city spokesperson Kim Miller emphasized that the City of Asheville remains committed to providing transit services and exploring sustainable and efficient transit solutions. However, they have decided not to pursue the purchase of additional fully electric buses at present, citing the need for the electric bus industry to mature and align more closely with Asheville Rides Transit’s requirements in terms of vehicle range, reliability, size, and cost-effectiveness.
The cautionary tale of Asheville’s investment in electric buses highlights the challenges faced by cities when adopting new technologies. It underscores the importance of thorough research and evaluation before committing to significant investments, especially in emerging industries. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it is crucial for cities to ensure the reliability and long-term viability of the products they adopt.
In conclusion, Asheville’s experience serves as a reminder that the rush to embrace electric technology must be accompanied by careful consideration and planning. While electric buses hold promise for a greener and more sustainable future, the challenges faced by Asheville highlight the need for industry maturity and reliable infrastructure to support such initiatives.
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