So something they're working on, but something to keep in mind. Industry members have recognized the need for new tire technologies to increase load carrying capacity and reduce rolling resistance in order to improve the overall wear. Let's see, something else to keep in mind is that tires have experienced an accelerated wear rate compared to the diesel equivalent due to the torque transfer and increased braking force from that regenerative braking system. It is under development though, and a lot of OEMs offer this technician training with their products. So it's maybe a little difficult to access or find kind of common training at the time. A lot of that again is related to the high voltage systems, and right now some of the training is still really being developed and standardized. It also may require some updating of tools and personal protective equipment. It could be AC and at least three-phase, because these are usually high voltage systems. Also need to develop an understanding of basic electrical systems, and this is not just DC. So the techs need to know the difference between the product architecture, so the EV versus the internal combustion engine. And this learning curve may also require some additional training, as well as equipment costs in order to properly have the right maintenance in place for the electric vehicle. They've also noted cleaner working environments and just a little more pleasant air quality as well with an EV compared to some diesel baseline systems.īut however keep in mind right now since battery electric school buses is an emerging technology that there will be a learning curve to train the technicians on this new technology. You also have a need of fewer components to access for maintenance. Technicians have also reported additional benefits of the trucks just being a little easier to work on because the components are easier to access. So this means a smaller technician to truck ratio, and therefore potentially reduced labor costs of technicians. Although we have seen some reports where they have a reduced need for the number of technicians required to maintain the trucks. But you're still going to have the usual maintenance for brakes, suspension, and tires, all that is still required. Also most battery electric buses have regenerative braking, and that reduces the brake system to be used around five times less than a conventional diesel vehicle. So an EV motor contains about 20 moving components, where an internal combustion engine generally has more than 2,000 moving components. There is also no engine oil, and there are overall fewer mechanical components. So this means no diesel exhaust fluid and no diesel particulate filter, which has in the past been known to cause additional maintenance cost, timing, and parts and labor. One of the all time favorites so far has been no longer needing an after treatment system. With battery electric buses there are some comparative benefits to that of diesel systems that are expected to reduce some of the maintenance costs. So with all technologies it is important to track the maintenance cost to fully understand your total cost of ownership. So let's get started with Module 3 of the Electric School Bus Factors, Maintenance Costs. Module 4 will review electric bus incentives and financing options, and finally Module 5 will provide information on how to have some of those financing discussions. Module 3, which we are reviewing today, will discuss electric school bus maintenance costs. Module 2 discussed electric school bus operational costs. Module 1 provided information on bus capital costs and infrastructure costs. Flipping the Switch series, Electric School Bus Cost Factors consists of five modules. Welcome to the Flipping the Switch on Electric School Buses series, where we will discuss electric school bus cost factors. This is a text version of the video for Flipping the Switch on Electric School Buses: Cost Factors: Module 3. Flipping the Switch on Electric School Buses: Cost Factors: Module 3 (Text Version)
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