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Electric bus launch delayed after Hyland reports charge-port locations misplaced on delivered buses
Summary
Hyland reported that all 12 electric buses and chargers were delivered to the Erie depot but the charge ports were installed on the wrong side. Hyland and dealer Wolfington will engineer a retrofit; the launch is expected in November, with training tentatively scheduled for mid-October.
Hyland representatives told the Erie City School District Committee of the Whole that 12 electric Type C buses and 12 depot chargers have been delivered and installed at the district depot, but a manufacturing/dealer error requires relocating the buses’ charging ports and will delay the initially planned October launch.
Zoe Mahmood, Hyland customer success manager, said the buses were delivered to ensure eligibility for tax credits and that the depot chargers are in place, but she reported a “hiccup” on arrival: “the buses have their charge port locations in the wrong place.” Hyland and the dealer, Wolfington, will work to retrofit the buses so the charge ports align with the depot chargers; Hyland said the adjustment is likely to push the launch into November and recommended rescheduling in-person training currently tentatively set for Oct. 16.
Hyland described its role as an integrator that handles utilities, charger procurement and maintenance staffing; the company said it will provide a dedicated field technician for Erie and offers ongoing maintenance, training and support. The district has 12 International (IC) electric buses on site and Otelis depot chargers rated at 30 kW according to Hyland’s presentation.
Board members asked about winter range and charging logistics. Hyland staff said lithium batteries lose range in cold weather and that the district will assign EV buses to routes that fit seasonal ranges; buses on double runs may return to the depot between runs for recharging. Hyland also explained that retrofitting the charge ports is likely faster than requesting replacement buses from the dealer and that available spare units, if any, may be spoken for elsewhere.
The district’s legal counsel noted two agreements related to assigning leases to the ultimate funder will appear on next week’s agenda so bonds/leases can proceed once the buses are ready for service.
