...AND CHEAPER...:

Most municipal routes in the U.S. are less than 20 miles, making EVs a viable--perhaps even preferable--alternative.

A dozen operators around the country now use electric buses from Proterra, a South Carolina company. Its new 40-foot, 77-seat, vehicle can go 30 to 40 miles on a single charge. And, crucially, that charge doesn't take very long. A ten minute stop renews the supply, meaning the buses can operate more or less round the clock, according to CEO Ryan Popple. [...]

The buses are now operating in Florida, Tennessee, Nevada, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. Proterra's biggest customer is Foothill Transit, east of Los Angeles. Twelve Proterra buses ply the 291 route, with chargers at either end. About 650,000 customers traveled last year.

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