CapMetro is temporarily halting the purchase of a new all-electric fleet due to industry-wide battery technology challenges.
The CapMetro Board of Directors addressed the pause during a sustainability update at a June 24 board meeting. The transit authority announced it will not proceed with new electric vehicle bus purchases while it develops the necessary infrastructure to support electric buses and as battery technology advances within the industry.
Austin voters approved a 2020 tax increase to fund Project Connect, the city’s largest transit expansion, with the additional promise of an all-electric bus fleet. Electric buses offer a quieter, cleaner ride for both passengers and pedestrians.
However, at the board meeting, officials noted that battery electric buses are more costly and difficult to obtain because of their complex systems and battery management requirements.
They also reported that electric buses currently have a range of only eight to ten hours before needing a recharge.
CapMetro plans to resume purchasing electric buses once these issues are addressed and explore different options, such as hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses.