Juneau’s first electric bus, which was launched in spring 2021 has not been on the road much since then. This is due to persistent mechanical issues that have kept it off the roads this winter. The city still purchased seven additional electric buses from a different vendor.
Rich Ross, Capital Transit Superintendent, says he is still enthusiastic about electrifying his fleet.
Ross stated that there would be learning curves. “So, while the bus was a bit of a disaster, we understand that technology is improving rapidly.”
Proterra in Southern California made the lemon. It is Juneau’s only electric bus. Although other areas in Alaska have tried electric transit in the past, Juneau was the first state capital to buy an electric bus.
There have been issues with the wiring harness of the bus. It can sometimes cause the bus’s motors to shut down when that part fails. Ross claims that Proterra has yet to provide a replacement, despite it being repaired several times.
The bus’s performance during winter has also been a problem. The bus’s batteries should last for at least 210 miles. This is enough to cover a 10-hour work shift in Juneau.
Ross claims that this range is not observed in practice.
He stated that the bus had a range of approximately 170 miles.
Even that wasn’t enough to withstand the last few weeks of the bus running.
He said that the range was just under 100 miles due to the fact that more energy is being used in order to heat the interior cabin, keep the windows open and warm the batteries.
The battery was not only slower to drain, but also took longer to charge. Electric vehicles are able to charge quickly in warmer temperatures by using regenerative brake, which converts kinetic energy into electric. This doesn’t work well if the battery is cold.
Juneau’s Deputy Director of Engineering & Public Works Denise Koch says that the city has limited understanding of the bus’s cold-weather performance due to nagging issues with the wiring harness. Also, the bus was not operational from Thanksgiving to New Year last year.
Koch stated that the timing of those cold temperatures was disappointing. Koch said, “We really looked forward to collecting long-term data about how it performed under that climate.”
Despite the difficulties, officials from the City and Borough of Juneau and Capital Transit remain optimistic about electrifying Juneau’s bus fleet.
“It is normal to expect there to be some kinks or problems when you are an early adopter of a new technology. Koch stated that this is what has happened.
The Federal Transit Administration funded seven new buses that the city purchased in October. They’re now switching manufacturers.
Gillig was chosen by Capital Transit, which makes the diesel fleet. The maintenance of the electric buses will be very similar to that of the diesel fleet. Capital Transit hopes this will prevent any future maintenance delays.
This will also help to ensure better battery performance, the city hopes. After consulting with other northern transit agencies, Gillig was chosen — particularly Missoula, Montana which runs Gilligs in colder weather.
Koch claims that Gillig was ranked by the Federal Transit Administration as the most efficient electric bus in 2022.
Juneau’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will include electrification of its fleet. Transport is one of the most polluting sectors in the city. The city has committed to reducing emissions by 80% by 2045.
Koch claims that the purchase of new buses demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainability leadership.
She said, “We are the first in Alaska.” There’s always a balance between how far you can get ahead and, you know, how far it takes. Or, do you wait until a technology is fully tested and proven to be reliable before you take the plunge?
The Southeast communities Ketchikan, Metlakatla and Metlakatla announced plans for new buses by 2024. The Biden administration also announced $1.66 Billion in grants for clean transit late this summer. Many of those funds will be used to fund electric buses
