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[Richard230]

Today, while riding my Zero westbound on Sharp Park Road in Pacifica, I passed a Proterra electric bus exactly like the on on this webpage:
https://www.proterra.com/

It appeared to be their demo vehicle and was likely being tested for the local bus company to prove that it can handle its routes.  However, I would like to know what their buses cost. I bet it is not cheap.  Nice looking, though.

[Fran K]

"We built the Catalyst® from the ground up exclusively as an EV"

They really can claim a registered trademark on that word?  And why use that word?  Because there are catalysts at the fossil fuel generation facility?

Note two speed transmission.

Here is what it says about warranty
"Complete Bus – 1 year or 50,000 miles
 Extended warranties and service contracts available upon request
 
Battery
12 years / unlimited miles, materials and workmanship"

I see they claim advantages over diesel and natural gas over a 12 year life span.  Have to wonder if there is any guarantee they will still be in existance for that time frame.  If the batteries need serviced in that 12 years is the warranty pro rated.  What price projections they used for the fossil fuels.  Are they doing a 12 year service contract comparison for both the diesel and battery.

[Richard230]

I had the same thoughts as you, Frank.  When I passed the bus, the message board at the front and back claimed that it was a battery-powered "catalyst" model.  I thought:   

I see this bus being bought by municipal bus companies that can find a government grant to pay the cost of the bus and its charging infrastructure.  (Check out the charging options on their website.)  I bet each bus will cost at least $1 million USD, between the handmade carbon fiber chassis, tons of battery cells (each one in a bombproof case), everything designed and built from scratch and of course the need to make a profit and to pay back investors.  However, I do have a couple of friends who are more optimistic than I am and feel that battery-powered buses like this one will have a bright future.   

Meanwhile, in the back of my mind, I think: "Sure as long as the taxpayer money keeps rolling in."  I might add that our county just passed its third 30-year 1% sales tax increase to pay for transportation improvements. Half of all of the money from this tax, estimated to be $50 million a year, will be going to the local bus company so that they can pay back their previously accumulated debts and to pay for the high salaries and retirement plans of their employees.