Electric Buses Retired: Proterra's Collapse Leaves Airports Stranded

Just over five years after unveiling the largest electric airport bus fleet on the east coast, officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have retired their 36 Proterra buses at Newark Liberty International Airport. These buses, operational for a mere three to four years, were taken out of service in 2023 following Proterra's bankruptcy filing in August 2023. The primary reason for their early retirement was the unavailability of proprietary parts, unique to Proterra, which prevented the Port Authority from performing necessary servicing and repairs.

The fleet's demise signifies a shift back to traditional transportation at Newark, with diesel hybrid buses now in operation. While LaGuardia and JFK airports continue to utilize a mix of electric and hybrid vehicles, Newark's experience highlights the challenges of relying on manufacturers that subsequently cease operations. Proterra's collapse has impacted other transit agencies as well, including New York's MTA and transit services in Tulsa and Charlotte, which have also retired their Proterra buses due to part and performance issues.

This situation leaves NJ Transit's fleet of New Flyer battery-electric buses in Camden as the primary fleet of electric buses in regular service in the state, operational since 2022. NJ Transit is further expanding its electric fleet with an additional 20 vehicles planned as part of a larger order. The early retirement of Newark's Proterra buses underscores the risks associated with specialized electric vehicle fleets when manufacturers face financial instability.