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District reviews EV-bus pilot data after 12-volt battery issues; electricity cost per mile lower than diesel estimate
Summary
A committee update reported one electric bus had a recurring 12-volt battery drain; interim charger logs showed electricity costs lower per mile compared with diesel/gas estimates, and the district is working with Leonard Bus and vendor partners to diagnose the battery drain.
District transportation and the EV bus committee reported on Jan. 23 that the district's electric bus pilot has produced mixed results: electricity costs for a charging period were lower per mile than estimated diesel or gasoline fuel costs, but a recurring 12-volt-battery drainage issue sidelined the bus while the vendor diagnoses the root cause.
Technical problem and diagnostic steps
The district said a 12-volt battery on the EV bus drained repeatedly after being replaced; technicians suspected a parasitic draw such as a camera system or two-way radio remaining powered when the vehicle was off. Leonard Bus Sales will transport the bus to its Middletown facility for diagnostic testing to determine whether components or wiring are the cause.
Operational cost snapshot
Transportation staff provided charger logs for a period (Nov. 5 to Jan. 9) showing electricity costs of $802.91 for that interval. Using mileage in that period, staff estimated an electricity cost of about $0.56 per mile for the EV bus. By contrast, the district's comparative estimate of fuel cost for a conventional bus over the same period would be about $1.19—.26 per mile (depending on whether gasoline or diesel is assumed), indicating operating-fuel savings on electricity during the sample interval.
Procurement and options
The committee discussed leasing options presented by Highland Fleets and tradeoffs between leasing and owning. The district also noted an EPA grant process is open and that an EPA-related deadline had been extended 45 days; Leonard Bus agreed to pursue further grant-related steps. Committee members said leasing may simplify maintenance and administrative burden but generally costs more than purchasing vehicles outright.
Ending: next steps
Leonard Bus will perform diagnostics on the 12-volt-battery issue. The committee will continue to compare total operating costs, downtime and maintenance needs for EV buses versus diesel buses prior to recommending a procurement path to the board.
