https://guernseypress.com/news/2023/01/21/islanders-enthusiastic-about-new-electric-bus/

150 mile range, more than enough for the 100 mile daily milage of a Guernsey bus.

More expensive but half the cost to run and easier and cheaper to maintain.

It's hoped they will encourage people to use the busses more and cars less. Somehow I doubt it will make much difference, people like their cars.

 

"The Chinese manufactured Yutong E9, has been provided by UK importer Pelican and will spend two days being test driven around Guernsey’s narrow roads.

Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie said that the first day of trials had gone brilliantly.

‘The benefits of our vehicles are that they are tried, tested and proven around the world,’ he said.

‘Not only are they zero-emissions, but they also have unrivalled passenger comfort, including full air conditioning, wifi and USB’s in every seat.

‘Yesterday it was 9C outside and a balmy 19C inside. This level of comfort will encourage islanders to leave their cars at home use public transport, further decarbonising Guernsey."

Edited January 22, 20233 yr by martin-w

6 hours ago, martin-w said:

wifi and USB’s in every seat.

God forbid you're disconnected from the continuum even for a few minutes!

Noel

I read all of the comments on that article closely and found them nearly all rather brutal and negative.

One comment in particular was simply one that should be obvious. The wider width (not specified) would likely not allow two eBusses to pass one another on the narrow streets.

1 hour ago, birdguy said:

God forbid you're disconnected from the continuum even for a few minutes!

Noel

 

😀

 

57 minutes ago, n4gix said:

I read all of the comments on that article closely and found them nearly all rather brutal and negative.

One comment in particular was simply one that should be obvious. The wider width (not specified) would likely not allow two eBusses to pass one another on the narrow streets.

 

Not ideal if they are wider than the busses we have now. The ones we have now are bad enough. I was hoping they would be smaller. I don't think the actual width was mentioned, so the person that commented may be just assuming they are wider. They are trialing other busses in May apparently. Many of the comments were negative, in fact one person was complaining about the cost to charge not being mentioned when the fact that they are half the cost to run was indeed mentioned. 🙄

Two busses passing each other isn't possible now on many roads. Two cars can't pass on some roads. I suspect that the timetables are designed so that busses don't have to pass each other on the very narrow roads. I think they just drive round in their circuit, its a small island. 

Its very common here to have to drive up onto the pavement to let both cars and busses pass. The pavements are on one side. 

Edited January 22, 20233 yr by martin-w

Yes, I imagine that they are cheaper to run and maintain, that is, until the batteries have to be replaced.  That alone will take a huge bite out of the cost savings.

Anyway, the ultimate goal of all these supposedly benevolent actions on the part of govts. vis-a-vis EVs and public transportation is to reduce the number of, and eventually eliminate, cars.  They don't like the fact that too many people drive themselves around, consuming precious resources and having all that freedom of movement.

It's just another incremental step towards the ultimate agenda of total control of the masses and resource rationing, and because it's so gradual many people don't see it.

Enjoy your electric buses. 🙂

Dave

20 hours ago, martin-w said:

Its very common here to have to drive up onto the pavement to let both cars and busses pass. The pavements are on one side. 

Here is yet another example of differences in our two versions of English. Here in the US "pavement" refers to what our vehicles drive on, and sidewalks are what we walk on!

15 minutes ago, n4gix said:

Here is yet another example of differences in our two versions of English. Here in the US "pavement" refers to what our vehicles drive on, and sidewalks are what we walk on!

 

Exactly. You need it explained to you. Its on the side and you walk on it, otherwise Americans would walk on the road. We can handle pavement and know what it means. 😄 I am just kidding of course. That was paraphrased from a comedians routine I once saw.

What our vehicles drive on is simply a road. 🙂 

So many differences. You call it sodder and we call it solder. We call it box section and you call it square tubing - not sure why when its not a tube. Aluminum, aluminium. Nucular. nuclear. Trash can, dustbin. 

All very confusing. 🙂

Edited January 23, 20233 yr by martin-w

59 minutes ago, dave2013 said:

It's just another incremental step towards the ultimate agenda of total control of the masses and resource rationing, and because it's so gradual many people don't see it.

👍And I doubt these busses will take cash, it’s too fiddly and may spread germs (and in particular viruses),  perhaps a  world bank  digital currency card would be the answer……🙈

Speaking of busses!  Did I ever mention I caught the CLAP from the town of Lucca to Marlia? 😳

 

2 hours ago, dave2013 said:

Yes, I imagine that they are cheaper to run and maintain, that is, until the batteries have to be replaced.  That alone will take a huge bite out of the cost savings

 

Depends on the battery chemistry. But even if basic lithium ion ternary, should still be a substantial saving. Internal combustion engine busses cost a fortune to run in terms of fuel, regular servicing, spare parts,  reduce air quality. Very little servicing on an electric bus. Plus they don't breakdown anywhere near as often.  The fleet is due for replacement anyway if I recall correctly And of course batteries are lasting a long time. Fuel has to be shipped here from the UK refineries, increasing the cost and imposing certain difficulties. 

Ideal would be an electric bus based on BYD blade batteries, with  double the normal lifespan. I'm sure the states have considered battery replacement. They wouldn't be planning this if it was more expensive of course. It will be factored into the equation.

We are very much a car island, with 1.3 cars per person. Higher than the UK. Not suprising given there are places a bus cant reach. People do use them though. On the occasions I've used them there have been plenty of passengers. 

Edited January 23, 20233 yr by martin-w

32 minutes ago, jon b said:

👍And I doubt these busses will take cash, it’s too fiddly and may spread germs (and in particular viruses),  perhaps a  world bank  digital currency card would be the answer……🙈

 

 Guernsey busses are already cashless.  😄 Much easier. Don't have to fiddle about finding cash. Very cheap, one fare for the whole island. £1.25 for anywhere on the island I recall. 

On 1/22/2023 at 9:59 AM, martin-w said:

Not only are they zero-emissions,

🤣 Yeah, in the same way the NHS is "free".

Give me a break.

7 hours ago, charliearon said:

Speaking of busses!  Did I ever mention I caught the CLAP from the town of Lucca to Marlia? 😳

 

You were doing it wrong😉

9 hours ago, Jazz said:

🤣 Yeah, in the same way the NHS is "free".

Give me a break.

 

What exactly are you trying to say? The busses themselves emit zero CO2 or other noxious gasses. 

In terms of where the electricity is derived from, then our electricity is renewable energy from Europe. It goes to Jersey via an under sea cable and then to us. We do have a coal fired station as backup that ocasionally fires up if required, when load is high. So the relavent emmisions assigned to the bus are  during manufacture, of the vehicle. 

https://www.electricity.gg/electricity/electricity-in-guernsey/where-our-electricity-comes-from/

Edited January 24, 20233 yr by martin-w