EV buses run at -4 degrees in Wisconsin

[Old Rocks]

A matter of engineering. Looks like you fellows are wrong again. Sixty two buses running during that cold snap with no problems.

MSN

 

[1srelluc]

The cost near half again (or more depending on how cold it gets) to operate in cold weather.....The taxpayer gets screwed on energy costs.

Increased Energy Consumption: Electric buses consume 48% more energy in cold weather (25 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit)

If by chance they reach their end of battery life in 8-12 years the you are looking at 1K each (6 to 9 per bus) to dispose of them.

 

[Meister]

A matter of engineering. Looks like you fellows are wrong again. Sixty two buses running during that cold snap with no problems.

MSN

What form of energy is used for the process of getting them recharged?

 

[Old Rocks]

What form of energy is used for the process of getting them recharged?

Coal
Most of Wisconsin's electrical source is coal, which accounts for over 60% of the state's electricity generation. Additionally, natural gas provides about 9%, while nuclear energy contributes approximately 20%. Renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power, wind energy, and solar, make up about 6% of the total electricity supply.

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)+1

What form of energy is used for the process of getting them recharged?

Wisconsin has significant wind energy potential, with approximately 900 megawatts of installed capacity and numerous projects planned for the future.

Current​

• Wisconsin ranks 26th in the nation for wind energy, generating about 900 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity. This is considerably less than neighboring states, which often exceed 10,000 MW.
  
  1
• There are currently 10 operational wind projects in the state, contributing to the overall energy mix.
  
  1
• 
  
  
  1 Source

Future​

• As of October 2025, there are 13 wind projects in development in Wisconsin, with a total planned capacity of 1,970 MW. Among these, three projects are expected to come online within the next year.
  
  1
• Experts believe that Wisconsin's wind potential is high, and with better education and infrastructure, the state can harness more of its wind resources effectively.
  
  2
• 
  
  
  
  
  
  3 Sources

Economic​

• Wind energy provides economic benefits to rural communities, allowing farmers to lease land for wind turbines while continuing agricultural activities. This can serve as a stable income source for struggling farms.
  
  1
• Wind energy is considered less harmful to wildlife and the environment compared to traditional energy sources, making it a cleaner alternative for energy production.
  
  1
• 
  
  
  
  
  
  2 Sources

Challenges​

• Despite its potential, Wisconsin faces challenges such as misinformation about wind energy and the need for improved transmission infrastructure to connect rural wind farms to urban energy consumers.
  
  2
• Continued advancements in wind technology and increased public support for wind projects are essential for maximizing Wisconsin's wind energy potential.
  
  2
  In summary, while Wisconsin currently has a modest wind energy capacity, there is significant potential for growth and development in this sector, which can provide economic and environmental benefits to the state.
• 
  
  
  
  
  
  2 Sources

 

[TroglocratsRdumb]

40% range loss

How Much Range Do EVs Lose in Winter? We Tested in Real Cold to Find Out

Cold weather can slash EV range, but by how much? We drove the Jeep Wagoneer S in winter conditions to find out what really changes.

www.motortrend.com

 

[Captain Caveman]

A matter of engineering. Looks like you fellows are wrong again. Sixty two buses running during that cold snap with no problems.

MSN

Your 'shortened' link doesn't mention the fact that they installed overhead chargers on key routes, allowing buses to quickly top off at several stops.

Charlatan springs to mind.

Electric buses are passing a brutal cold-weather test in Wisconsin

Madison is proving electric buses can run through cold winters, providing a blueprint for zero-emissions transit in other frigid locales.

grist.org

 

[Jarlaxle]

40% range loss

How Much Range Do EVs Lose in Winter? We Tested in Real Cold to Find Out

Cold weather can slash EV range, but by how much? We drove the Jeep Wagoneer S in winter conditions to find out what really changes.

www.motortrend.com

I wonder what the temperature inside the bus might be...

 

[1srelluc]

The EV busses in Madison, WI are all garaged so they are not exposed to the cold temps 24/7.

Yes, electric buses in Wisconsin are kept in garages.

More unneeded infrastructure the taxpayer has to foot the bill for.

 

[Jarlaxle]

The EV busses in Madison, WI are all garaged so they are not exposed to the cold temps 24/7.

Yes, electric buses in Wisconsin are kept in garages.

More unneeded infrastructure the taxpayer has to foot the bill for.

So...I wonder how the garage is heated...

 

[marvin martian]

A matter of engineering. Looks like you fellows are wrong again. Sixty two buses running during that cold snap with no problems.

MSN

This is really just the absolute minimum basic functionality we should expect, right? That the vehicles function in the climate in which they're deployed?

Not sure what the point is of praising the program for meeting the basic minimum requirements.

 

[Old Rocks]

40% range loss

How Much Range Do EVs Lose in Winter? We Tested in Real Cold to Find Out

Cold weather can slash EV range, but by how much? We drove the Jeep Wagoneer S in winter conditions to find out what really changes.

www.motortrend.com

With present batteries.

 

[Old Rocks]

This is really just the absolute minimum basic functionality we should expect, right? That the vehicles function in the climate in which they're deployed?

Not sure what the point is of praising the program for meeting the basic minimum requirements.

In other words, "Oh damn, they just took away another reason to reject progress" LOL