Electric Buses Recalled: FTA Warns of Fire Hazards in Recent Advisory

Bus driving on a road at sunset.

The Federal Transit Administration has sounded alarms over potential fire risks linked to specific electric buses, sparking a large-scale recall effort.

At a Glance

  • The Federal Transit Administration issued a safety advisory for 483 electric buses.
  • Radiator fan overheating issues led to a recall by the NHTSA on September 5, 2024.
  • Phoenix Motorcars acquired affected buses from Proterra and is managing the recall.
  • A free software update will be deployed to address the overheating issue.

Federal Transit Administration’s Advisory

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently advised transit agencies about fire risks associated with certain electric buses. This advisory affects approximately 483 buses manufactured between 2019 and 2022 by Proterra, underscoring the serious safety concerns. The safety defects involve overheating in the radiator fan’s electrical circuit, potentially leading to fires. The recall of these buses has been spurred by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and increasing reports of smoke appearing in these buses.

Among the affected models are Proterra Catalyst buses from 2019 to 2021 and the Proterra ZX5 buses from 2020 to 2022. Phoenix Motorcars, which took over Proterra’s transit bus line following the company’s Chapter 11 filing, is conducting a recall. They are aiming to distribute a free software update designed to alleviate the overheating issue by reducing the speed of the radiator fan, thus decreasing the equipment’s temperature.

Background and Recent Developments

The issues initially came to public attention on July 12, 2021, when a bus produced smoke. Although an update was released on March 2, 2022, further incidents occurred, like the one in Miami on January 15, 2024. Investigations indicated that the software update had been overwritten and needed redeployment. Despite these issues, Phoenix Motorcars continues to produce the ZX5 model, although none of the specific recalled vehicles are still being manufactured.

Wider Implications and Market Challenges

Mechanical problems and safety concerns with electric buses have broader ramifications for the electric vehicle (EV) market across the United States. The Biden-Harris administration commits to building 500,000 EV charging stations by 2030, but the rollout has been affected by various challenges. An example includes a Maryland county’s electric bus program that ended up being an inefficient expense. Nationwide, customer demand for EVs remains low, with companies like Ford delaying new EV lines and others reconsidering their EV targets.

Phoenix Motorcars did not respond to requests for comments on these recalls. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm came under scrutiny for previously owning Proterra shares, which were sold after an inquiry began in May 2021. While the electric vehicle market strives forward, these challenges highlight essential aspects that need to be addressed to establish a reliable EV infrastructure.

Sources:

  1. Proterra electric buses recalled for potential fire issue
  1. Biden-Harris Admin Recalls Hundreds Of Electric Buses Amid Fire Concerns
  1. Safety Advisory 24-1 Proterra Bus/Phoenix Motorcars Technical Service Bulletin