Panama Cancels Order For Diesel Buses, Will Purchase 195 Electric Buses Instead

[Jay McKinsey + 1,489]

the year long triual period demonstrated the value of regenerative braking and that the buses air conditioning systems were capable of managing the hot, humid environment of Panama. “Since the beginning of 2019, free tests have been carried out with two buses, one large and one medium size bus,” Campaña said. The medium size buses will be used on routes in the Old Quarter, where larger buses might not be able to negotiate narrow streets easily.

The MiBus representative clarified that his company originally thought of “presenting a proposal for the purchase of 35 medium or 10 meter electric buses, plus 160 diesel buses to partially replace the existing fleet,” but came to believe “it would be better to expand the framework and acquire 195 electric buses .” Campaña affirms “the international price of each unit is around $ 180 thousand.” With this initiative, Panama is on course to comply with the National Electric Mobility Strategy that promotes the use of low-emission transport. Sadly, the United States does not have as robust a mobility strategy as Panama’s. 

https://cleantechnica.com/2020/08/29/panama-cancels-order-for-diesel-buses-will-purchase-195-electric-buses-instead/

[markslawson + 1,042]

2 hours ago, Jay McKinsey said:

the year long triual period demonstrated the value of regenerative braking and that the buses air conditioning systems were capable of managing the hot, humid environment of Panama. “Since the beginning of 2019, free tests have been carried out with two buses, one large and one medium size bus,” Campaña said.

There is certainly nothing wrong with using electric buses. It is one area where the disadvantages of EVs don't matter but, in fact, the Panama City contract is just one of a number that have occurred through South America, and in places like Argentina (which is considering making them locally) government contracts are not let without someone in the government getting a cut somehow. A little further digging and its apparent that all these buses are coming from Chinese manufacturers and that there are aid programs involved. The item on Montevideo mentions a government subsidy and that its part of a UN development program. I cannot say whether the Chinese companies involved have engaged in sharp practices or whether there are unreported deals with the Chinese government, but it is certainly possible. In passing it should be noted that even this new wave of ebuses represents only a tiny fraction of the buses on South American streets. Jay you continue to educate me.    

[Boat + 1,315]

The slow build to scaling up the infrastructure. Hope they have good storage for the inevitable floods and storms. 

Edited August 30, 2020 by Boat