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The school year is beginning, so the buses will be out in full force. However, you may notice a significant difference this year as emission-free electric school buses roll out across the United States. One of the nation’s leading school bus manufacturers, Thomas Built Buses, just achieved a major milestone with help from its Virginia-based dealer Sonny Merryman — Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses have now driven more than 500,000 miles.

Electric school buses are designed for a cleaner, sustainable future. Not only do they produce zero emissions, but they are also more efficient, can cost less to maintain, and have abilities their gas-powered counterparts lack.

450,000 yellow school buses across the United States travel over 4.3 billion miles each year, according to information from the US Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

More importantly, toxic emissions from traditional school buses can harm students, bus drivers, and the communities they drive in.

Although the EPA has introduced stricter standards, it’s not enough as many school buses still emit harmful diesel exhaust. With federal funding more accessible than ever for electric school buses, making the transition makes sense.

As of June 2022, 38 states had adopted electric school buses thanks to several initiatives such as the $5 billion Clean School Bus program.

Meanwhile, states like Virginia are taking the initiative to provide funding and accelerate the transition. For example, in 2019, Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam and Dominion Energy announced an initiative to provide 13,000 electric school buses by the end of 2030.

Through programs like these, Virginia has grown to become the country’s second-largest electric bus fleet, currently operating 64 Thomas Built electric school buses. In a significant milestone, the electric school buses have now traveled over 500,000 miles, with more buses expected to be delivered as the school year progresses.

electric-school-buses-miles
Growth of electric school buses in Virginia Source: Sonny Merryman

Thomas Built Buses achieves 500,000 electric miles in Virginia

The first electric school bus to roll out in the state of Virginia was Thomas Built Buses’ Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley in November 2020.

One C2 Jouley electric bus can transport 81 students with up to 138 miles of range and a 226 kWh standard battery capacity.

Virginia now has 64 electric buses in total. The first 50 were purchased and deployed through the Dominion Energy program, and the remaining 14 were bought using funds from the American Power electric school bus program.

The 500,000 miles driven include several different terrains (city, rural, and hills) and distances from less than 20 miles to more than 90 miles. Although the electric buses have primarily been used for regular school routes, a few have made their way to field trips, band competitions, and more.

By using electric buses for these trips, 447.7 short tons of greenhouse gases were avoided, according to the AFLEET tool.

Through the experience so far, Thomas Built Buses dealer Sonny Merryman and its customers have learned a few critical takeaways that can help others deploy electric buses safely and efficiently:

  • Properly train drivers and technicians for a smooth transition.
  • Consider assigning a partner or team to help with the deployment.

Perhaps, most importantly, the electric buses have withstood various operational tests, and drivers who have switched to the electric Jouley school buses have loved them so far, according to the school bus dealer.

Electrek’s Take

First things first, congratulations to Thomas Built Buses and Sonny Merryman on the huge milestone. Electric school buses protect students and communities from harmful emissions while saving school districts money on fuel and maintenance in the long run.

At the same time, I think there is a major takeaway from this case study. State funding works, and electric buses are the future. Virginia is proving it. California has proved it. State leaders need to get on board to speed up the transition. There are no excuses now.

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Environment

Save extra $100 on Juiced e-bikes, Jackery flash sale, 1-day Greenworks pressure washer sale, and more

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May 7, 2024

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Save extra 0 on Juiced e-bikes, Jackery flash sale, 1-day Greenworks pressure washer sale, and more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is Juiced Bikes’ Mother’s Day sale that is taking $100 off purchases over $500, including most e-bikes, like the RipRacer Fun-Sized Fat-Tire e-bike for $1,049. It is joined by a limited-time Jackery flash sale that is taking up to 42% off power stations, bundles, and accessories starting from $100, as well as a 1-day sale on the Greenworks 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Combo Kit at $429. Plus, more hangover Green Deals still alive and well.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Juiced Bikes Mother’s Day sale takes $100 off e-bikes

Juiced Bikes has launched a Mother’s Day sale that is taking $100 off all purchases of $500 or more – including most of the brand’s e-bike models, with all discounts being automatically applied at checkout. The most affordable amongst the bunch is the RipRacer Fun-Sized Fat-Tire e-bike for $1,049 shipped. Already down from its usual $1,499 price tag, this e-bike was featured in many holiday and flash sales throughout 2023, often landing between $1,099 and $999. Since the new year began we’ve seen a few discounts, with February seeing the biggest drops, first to the $899 low and then later to $949. Today’s deal comes in as a combined 27% markdown off the going rate, giving you a solid $400 in savings and landing at the third-lowest price we have tracked. Currently the blue and black models are sold out, with only the green colorway available.

Juiced’s RipRacer e-bike comes equipped with a 750W motor and an upgraded G2 52V lithium-ion battery allowing it to reach top speeds of 20 to 28 MPH depending on your throttle and pedal assist usage, while also offering a range of 35 to 55+ miles. It features five levels of pedal assistance alongside a standard cadence sensor. You’ll also receive a more humble collection of accessories than some of the brand’s other models like hydaulic disc brakes, a 1,050-lumen headlight paired with a 2-mode taillight, knobby fat-tires for smoother off-road joyrides, and a back-lit LCD display that keeps you informed of real-time metrics as well as allowing you to adjust riding settings.

Juiced Mother’s Day discounts:

Jackery flash sale takes up to 42% off power stations, bundles, and accessories

Jackery has a short-term flash sale currently going through tomorrow, May 8, that is taking up to 42% off a selection of power stations and bundles. One of the notable standouts among the offers is the Explorer 2000 Pro with two 200W Solar Panels for $1,899 shipped, after using the on-page coupon/promo code MAY1400 at checkout for $1,400 off. Down from $3,299, this particular combo usually only sees discounts on occasion during big sales and holiday events, with 2023 never seeing it fall below $2,000. In the new year we’ve seen prices fall lower, first to $1,999 in January and February and then to $1,899 since March. Today’s deal comes in as a repeat 42% markdown off the going rate and lands as a return to the all-time lowest price we have tracked.

The Explorer 2000 Pro offers a 2,160Wh capacity that can provide a 2,200W max power output. It is able to fully charge from 0 to 100% in just two hours via a wall outlet or in less than three hours via six Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels. It offers eight ports to cover all your device’s charging needs: three ACs, two USB-As, two USB-Cs, and one car port. You’ll also be able to sync your smartphone with the power station in order to monitor and adjust settings in real-time via the app, allowing you to see remaining battery levels, customize settings and manage power consumption wherever you roam.

Jackery power station discounts:

Jackery bundle discounts:

Jackery accessory discounts:

Greenworks 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Combo Kit returns to $429 for today only

For today only, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Combo Kit for $429 shipped. Normally fetching $679, this particular combo kit has spent most of this year regularly bouncing between its all-time low of $310 and its MSRP – at less frequent rates than you’ll find on the other more simplified kits for the same model. It only matched its lowest markdown twice, during July’s Prime Deal days and September’s Labor Day sales. Today’s deal comes in as a repeat 37% markdown off the going rate and lands among some of the lowest prices we’ve seen. While it’s not necessarily at some of the lowest rates that is has been in the past, this is still a solid $250 discount that gives you excellent equipment for your tool arsenal at an affordable price.

This pressure washer comes equipped with a 14A TruBrushless motor that generates 3,000 PSI at a 2.0 GPM flow rate. It sports an onboard one-gallon detergent tank and features a wide array of accessories: 25 feet of non-marring, high-pressure hose, a surface cleaner attachment, one turbo nozzle, one soap nozzle, one 15-degree nozzle, one 25-degree nozzle, and one 45-degree nozzle – it even has on-board space for all these attachments for easy storage, convenient transportation, and quicker applications. You’ll also be getting the additional accessories of a short gun kit, microfiber mitts, and a 15-inch surface cleaner. Like most Greenworks pressure washers, it also features a Total Stop System, which automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger is not engaged, saving you energy, money, and extending your pump’s life.

Spring e-bike deals!

Lectric XPedition cargo e-bike riding through dirt trail within post for Juiced e-bikes

Other new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Environment

America’s first hydrogen garbage truck arrives in Las Vegas

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May 7, 2024

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America's first hydrogen garbage truck arrives in Las Vegas

Hyzon and New Way Unveil North America's First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Refuse Truck at Waste Expo

New Way Trucks and the hydrogen fuel cell experts at Hyzon just revealed North America’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric refuse truck at Waste Expo in Las Vegas.

The first fruits of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between New Way Trucks and Chicago-based HFC manufacturer Hyzon were revealed earlier today at the Las Vegas Convention Center with the kickoff of this year’s Waste Expo. Once the show is over, the HFCEV will be part of pilot programs throughout California, beginning with Recology, an employee-owned solid waste and recycling hauler based in San Francisco.

“As a leader in fleet sustainability, we’re proud to partner with New Way and Hyzon to bring the first hydrogen fuel cell electric collection vehicle to test in our communities in California,” said Recology CEO Sal Coniglio. “Recology has been preparing to transition our fleet to zero emission vehicles for nearly six years … this development is a major milestone, and we’re thrilled to be the first to demo this technology to help move our business and the industry forward.”

The truck itself is powered by one of Hyzon’s 200kW fuel cell systems, which the company says is 30% smaller, 25% more cost-effective to produce, and 20% more efficient at getting usable energy out of a kilogram of hydrogen than its competitors’ fuel cells.

Hyzon’s high-performance hydrogen fuel cells are tough enough to provide consistent power over 125 miles, including up to 1,200 cart lifts and trips to the transfer station. Combine that with the strength and durability of New Way’s most-requested automated side loader — the Sidewinder XTR™ — with smooth arm operation, up to a 12-foot reach and large 6-cubic-yard hopper for an unstoppable, sustainable refuse collection powerhouse.

new way trucks press release; via pr newswire.

What’s more, the Hyzon system has already proven itself in a similar pilot project in Australia — all of which is good news for operators.

“Building on Hyzon’s fuel cell electric refuse vehicle experience in Australia, Hyzon and New Way’s strategic partnership assembled a historic vehicle to eliminate emissions within a hard-to-abate industry,” said Hyzon Chief Executive Officer Parker Meeks. “This is evidence of our shared mission to provide North American refuse collection fleets with an alternative power solution that both meets zero emissions requirements and performs the hard work a refuse truck needs to deliver day in and day out.”

Electrek’s Take

Hyzon compact hydrogen fuel cell; image by Hyzon.

Waste collection routes seem ideal for battery electric vehicles, but nearly two decades of negative press and fake news about EV fires have muddied the waters to the point that a number of fleet operators have already decided, regardless of the data, that EVs aren’t for them. The future of fuel, to many of these fleet managers, is hydrogen — and a vehicle like this certainly gives them an option (however flawed) that will immediately reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of the people that live and work on these garbage routes.

Is hydrogen ideal? No. Does it make sense as an alternative fuel? Also no. Is it cleaner than diesel? Maybe, and I want to celebrate the wins I can.

SOURCE | IMAGES: New Way Trucks, via PR Newswire.

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Tesla announces 4-day shutdown of Gigafactory Berlin due to protests

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52 mins ago

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May 7, 2024

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Tesla announces 4-day shutdown of Gigafactory Berlin due to protests

Tesla Quebec Factory

Tesla announced that it will be shutting down Gigafactory Berlin for four days, but it is unclear if it has to or if it wants to.

Last quarter, Tesla had to shut down and reduce production at Gigafactory Berlin for very serious reasons.

The former was due to an arson attack from so-called environmentalists, and the latter was due to supply chain issues related to the Red Sea conflict.

While Tesla couldn’t do much to avoid those issues, some analysts suggested that it was convenient for the automaker as it was reducing production capacity due to lower sales anyway.

Now, Tesla is again announcing a shutdown of Gigafactory Berlin.

Environmentalist groups who have been protesting Tesla’s expansion of Gigafactory Berlin have announced planned protests this week at the plant.

In response, Tesla told employees not to come to the factory after the Wednesday night shift (via Handelsblatt – translated from German):

Because of the announced multi-day protests against the Tesla expansion in Grünheide, the electric car manufacturer is sending all employees to work from home on Friday. Tesla shared thisthe workforce in an email from Monday, which was available to the Handelsblatt. For employees in vehicle production, Friday is considered a bridge day.

Tesla says that it has been working with the local authorities over the situation, but it’s unclear if it has to shut down the plant because of concerns from the authorities or if decided to shut down manufacturing by itself.

The email mentions that employees will work from home, but obviously, many workers at Gigafactory Berlin can’t do much from home.

Tesla plans to restart production with the night shift on Sunday.

Electrek’s Take

This is a bit dubious to me. Tesla does say that it is complying with the local authorities, but it doesn’t go as far as saying that the authorities requested Tesla close the factory to manage the protest.

You could say that Tesla is being very cautious or that it is using this as a reason to reduce production because it doesn’t think it can match its capacity with orders.

I lean toward the latter.

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