Town reverts to diesel fleet due to non-functional electric buses.
Tales of Electric Vehicle Failures Continue to Mount
According to Cowboy State Daily, a Wyoming-based news organization, the town of Jackson and Wyoming’s Teton County recently purchased eight electric buses. However, these buses have all broken down and are now out of service.
This failure has left Jackson and Teton County with no choice but to rely on their existing fleet of 31 diesel buses.
These green energy mishaps can be attributed to the misguided ideology of liberalism. The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) system, for example, relied on support from Proterra, a California-based electric bus manufacturer.
In 2021, Congress allocated over $5.5 billion for eco-friendly buses as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. President Joe Biden even praised Proterra during a virtual tour.
However, Proterra filed for bankruptcy in August, citing various market and economic challenges.
Not even 3 year old “EV” bus fleet bought from a now bankrupt @Proterra_Inc totally out of service! What a waste Wyoming!https://t.co/hrKPVFpfE6
— D MaC (@McC_711) September 27, 2023
In other words, Congress and Biden have wasted more money on green energy initiatives. The failure of Proterra should not garner any sympathy for Wyoming’s public officials. They created this mess by pushing their citizens towards dependence on green energy.
According to former Teton County Commission member Paul Vogelheim, some residents have long desired road upgrades. However, these requests were ignored in favor of inconveniencing drivers in the hope of promoting biking and public transit.
It’s worth noting that Teton County is the wealthiest per-household county in the nation, with an average adjusted gross income of $312,442.
Despite their wealth, these affluent liberals prioritize inconveniencing their neighbors over practical solutions. This is evident in their decision to purchase new electric buses despite the previous failures. They plan to find a new supplier, as if that will magically solve the problem.
Cold Weather Challenges
The electric buses in Jackson and Teton County initially operated alongside the regular fleet. However, they experienced performance degradation during the winter months. While they could run all day in warm weather, they required a midday charge in cold weather, at which point a diesel bus would take over.
Given that Teton County experiences single-digit low temperatures during the winter, it’s no surprise that these electric buses struggled in the extreme cold.
So, what’s the solution? The affluent residents of Teton County, who have already received millions in grants, plan to purchase new electric buses. It seems they are determined to prevent any practical solutions that may benefit other taxpayers.
The post Town Falls Back on Diesel Fleet After None of Its Electric Buses Work appeared first on The Western Journal.
Why is it important for communities to continue investing in green energy initiatives, such as electric buses, despite the setbacks experienced
F electric vehicles (EVs) is not completely bleak. While the recent failures of the electric buses in Jackson and Teton County showcase some of the challenges faced in implementing these technologies, it would be unfair to dismiss EVs altogether.
It is important to first acknowledge the limitations of the current electric buses. The cold weather challenges experienced by these buses are not unique to this region. Many EVs, especially those with batteries that are not optimized for extreme temperatures, face similar issues. However, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of batteries that can better withstand the cold.
Furthermore, the bankruptcy of Proterra does not necessarily reflect the overall state of the EV industry. It is true that the failure of a major player in the market is concerning, but it is also important to remember that the EV industry is still relatively young and constantly evolving. Other manufacturers, such as Tesla and Chevrolet, continue to produce electric vehicles that have proven to be successful and reliable.
In addition, the decision to invest in green energy initiatives, including electric buses, should not be seen as a waste of money. The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While there may be setbacks along the way, it is important to persevere and continue investing in sustainable technologies.
The residents of Teton County should be commended for their efforts to promote biking and public transit. These initiatives not only reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable community. It is important for communities to prioritize the well-being of their residents and the environment over convenience.
In conclusion, while the failures of the electric buses in Jackson and Teton County highlight some of the challenges faced in implementing EVs, it is important not to dismiss the technology altogether. The EV industry is still developing, and advancements in technology hold promise for addressing the current limitations. Investing in sustainable technologies is crucial for combating climate change and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It is important for communities to continue exploring and implementing green energy initiatives, while also learning from past experiences and making informed decisions.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."