In recent years, there has been a significant push by the government to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) as a means to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on adding electric buses to transit fleets across the United States. However, cities from coast-to-coast are now facing challenges with broken-down e-buses that are either too expensive to fix or sitting idle due to software and mechanical issues.
One of the main concerns revolves around the manufacturer of these e-buses, Proterra, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August. Proterra was once the largest e-bus company in the U.S., representing nearly 40% of the market. Several cities, including Asheville, North Carolina, and Philadelphia, had experienced issues with Proterra’s buses even before the bankruptcy. Transportation agencies have struggled to obtain replacement parts, exacerbating the problem.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who previously sat on Proterra’s board, faced criticism for potential conflicts of interest regarding her holdings in the company. President Biden also touted Proterra during a virtual tour in 2021. However, the bankruptcy and subsequent issues with Proterra’s buses have raised questions about the government’s support for the company.
Various transit agencies, such as Foothill Transit in California and the Transit Authority of River City in Kentucky, have reported a significant number of Proterra buses sitting idle. In Louisville, Kentucky, the entire fleet of Proterra electric buses has not operated for two years, despite a $9 million investment. Similarly, Austin, Texas-based Capital Metro has only six out of the 40 Proterra buses in operation due to a lack of available chargers.
The problems faced by cities have led some to pause purchasing more e-buses and instead opt for hybrid models until EV technology improves. Despite the challenges, there is hope for Proterra’s comeback. The company’s transit bus division was recently purchased by Phoenix Motorcars, a California-based manufacturer specializing in medium-duty electric vehicles. Phoenix Motorcars plans to restock spare parts and address the backlog of orders, with the goal of resolving customer issues within the next six to nine months.
While the troubles with Proterra’s electric buses highlight the challenges of transitioning to EVs, it is important to note that EV technology is still evolving. Phoenix Motorcars acknowledges the issues faced by customers and is committed to providing solutions and support. As with any new technology, there are bound to be hurdles, but advancements are continuously being made.
As the government continues to invest in EVs and promote their adoption, it is crucial to ensure that manufacturers can deliver reliable and efficient vehicles. The Proterra case serves as a reminder that thorough evaluations and considerations should be made before making large-scale investments in new technologies.
