01-18-2019, 12:43 PM
(01-18-2019, 12:39 PM)danbrotherston Wrote:(01-18-2019, 12:34 PM)tomh009 Wrote: The hybrid buses we have now, dating back over ten years, did not live up to expectations.
EV technology is evolving rapidly, and there will be additional suppliers, increased manufacturing capacity, and likely improved battery technology coming online in the next few years. The current diesel bus order is prudent, in my opinion, and will put GRT in a good position to procure an EV fleet the next time around.
I'm not sure how not investigating EVs at all puts GRT in a better position for procuring EVs in the future, than having EV procurement on the radar would.
Well … I think they can investigate, even if they are buying diesel buses (I can investigate cars or bicycles without buying them, too). They can learn from other cities' experience with EV buses. And, yes, they could (have) run a pilot with a few buses even while proceeding with this procurement.
My point is that today is likely till to early to do a wholesale switch to electric. By the time the current order has been completely delivered will likely be a much better time.