The Miami-Dade and Broward counties invested $126 million into 117 electric buses to promote environmental sustainability and cost savings. However, these investments have turned problematic as many buses broke down shortly after entering service, with repairs complicated by Proterra's bankruptcy. In Miami-Dade, out of 75 electric buses, only 5-7 are operational, while Broward's entire fleet remains inactive. The breakdown rate of the electric buses is alarmingly high, occurring every 600 miles, starkly contrasting with the older diesel fleet's maintenance schedule. Problems with electric buses persisted beyond South Florida, affecting cities like Chicago and Austin.
We put a bus into service when we know it will perform reliably, and with the EVs that doesn’t happen often." Coree Cuff Lonergan, Broward's director of transportation.
The EV buses broke down every 600 miles - more than seven times as frequently as the county's aging diesel fleet, which typically needs maintenance every 4,500 miles.
Today, few of the EV buses remain on the road, denoting significant failures in the expected performance and maintenance of these vehicles.
Proterra's bankruptcy has resulted in a major parts shortage and difficulties in maintaining the electric bus fleet.
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