Challenges for Green Mountain Transit in Vermont’s Winter
Green Mountain Transit in Vermont is facing major challenges with its electric bus operations this winter. The situation is worsened by a battery recall, which not only prevents charging indoors due to fire risks but also restricts charging at temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reports indicate that the transit agency’s electric buses, required to charge in warmer conditions, are struggling to operate effectively throughout the current winter season. It’s a worrying scenario, especially since these recall restrictions leave them unable to charge in garage facilities, further complicating their winter logistics.
Larry Behrens, a spokesperson for the energy advocacy group Power the Future, has been vocal about the issues. He criticized the $8 million investment made by taxpayers that he believes wasn’t adequately vetted for cold-weather functionality. “It seems like a form of fraud rather than just incompetence,” Behrens remarked. He raised concerns about the rush to spend funds that should have prioritized safety and taxpayer value, suggesting that important questions about the procurement process were overlooked.
On the other hand, Clayton Clark, the general manager of Green Mountain Transit, defended the procurement process. He explained that while federal grants for new buses are competitive, the push for electric buses, especially during 2020-2024, was aimed at transitioning away from diesel. He acknowledged that securing funding for diesel buses has become increasingly difficult.
Clark emphasized that the transit agency views electric buses as key to obtaining new transportation solutions. He pointed out that federal support funds the electric buses significantly, through both government allocations and the Volkswagen Settlement Fund.
The five electric buses had been operational until November 2025, when fire hazard issues led to a recall of their batteries. This has resulted in new software restrictions, limiting battery charging to 75 percent and requiring warmer temperatures for charging—previously, buses could charge fully in any conditions.
Currently, the bus garage lacks sufficient fire safety measures to safely store and charge the electric vehicles indoors, particularly when temperatures drop. However, Clark believes that upgrading software and finding technical solutions is possible soon. The transit system is pursuing financial support from New Flyer and may consider legal action if necessary. New Flyer has indicated that replacement batteries could take 18 to 24 months to arrive, while efforts to enhance fire protection equipment are underway with a pending grant.
Reports have also emerged that some school districts have already retired electric school buses due to maintenance challenges. The transition back to diesel buses follows the financial troubles of Quebec-based Lion Electric, which received federal funding for school bus production but warned that it could not service its electric buses due to financial difficulties.
Despite attempts to keep electric school buses operational, superintendents have acknowledged the likelihood of reverting to diesel options as a more viable and cost-effective solution.
