What’s behind Vermont’s electric bus reliability problems, and how are they affecting riders?

Green Mountain Transit’s electric buses failed in winter

Green Mountain Transit operates public buses across Vermont, including battery-electric vehicles funded by federal grants. In spring 2025, Green Mountain Transit received five 40-foot New Flyer battery-electric buses 2025.

GMT has also indicated additional battery-electric bus orders are planned in coming years. These vehicles were intended to replace aging diesel buses and modernize service.

According to statements from Green Mountain Transit management, the buses performed normally through fall 2025. Problems emerged in November 2025 after a battery recall linked to fire risks. A required software update changed how and when the buses could charge.

Vermont winter temperatures prevent electric bus charging

GMT says the buses’ batteries won’t accept a charge if they’re below about 40°F, a new restriction tied to a battery recall rather than a built-in winter design limit. This restriction was introduced after a software update tied to a battery fire hazard recall, according to Green Mountain Transit general manager Clayton Clark.

Vermont winter temperatures routinely fall below this threshold. As a result, buses parked outdoors cannot charge overnight during cold periods. Without charging, buses cannot enter daily service routes.

Battery recall triggered electric bus restrictions

The electric buses were operating well until November 2025, when the batteries were recalled due to fire hazards. GMT says the buses are sidelined due to a battery recall tied to fire risk, and that the manufacturer changed charging settings as a safety step while batteries are replaced.

To reduce fire risk, New Flyer issued a software update. The update limited charging to levels above 41 degrees Fahrenheit and prevented charging below that temperature. These restrictions were not part of the original bus specifications.

New Flyer electric buses are funded mainly through grants

Outside sources largely funded the electric buses used by Green Mountain Transit. According to Clayton Clark, Electric buses have been mainly financed through federal Low/No Emissions grants plus state/local matching funds.

For one five-bus New Flyer purchase announced in 2024, partners reported $8.12 million total with about $6.73 million from the federal Low/No program, plus local and state contributions.

Green Mountain Transit pursued electric buses because federal transit grants from 2020 through 2024 prioritized low- or no-emission vehicles. The federal Low or No Emission program is designed to fund low- and zero-emission buses and supporting facilities, making electrification projects more competitive for agencies seeking new vehicles.

Federal Transit Administration grants shaped choices

The Federal Transit Administration set grant priorities that favored low-emission vehicles. From 2020 to 2024, these priorities made electric buses more likely to receive funding than diesel alternatives.

Green Mountain Transit applied for grants under this framework. According to management, success in the grant process was not guaranteed. Electric battery buses increased the likelihood of approval.

This policy environment pushed transit agencies toward electric fleets, even in cold-weather regions. Critics argue that the grant structure reduced flexibility and discouraged equipment better suited for winter climates like Vermont.

Service disruptions affect Vermont bus riders

When electric buses cannot operate, Green Mountain Transit must rely on its limited diesel fleet. As of 2025, only three new diesel buses were expected over the next several years.

This reduces service reliability during the winter months. Riders may face canceled trips or longer wait times when electric buses are sidelined.

Policy analyst William Rampe said reduced service forces riders to seek alternate transportation. Low-income riders are especially affected because they depend more heavily on public transit for work, school, and medical appointments.

Critics question cost and taxpayer value

Larry Behrens of the energy advocacy group Power the Future criticized the purchase of electric buses. He said some critics argue the shutdown raises questions about cost, downtime, and cold-weather readiness. GMT, meanwhile, has said the cold-temperature charging restriction is a recall-related change, not an original winter limitation.

Behrens argued that performance and safety concerns were overlooked. He questioned who approved the purchase and why the warning signs were ignored.

These concerns focus on whether public funds delivered reliable transportation value. The criticism intensified after buses became unusable during winter 2025, raising questions about accountability in federal and local decision-making.

Electric buses tied to long replacement timeline

New Flyer has indicated that replacement batteries will be installed within 18 to 24 months. According to Green Mountain Transit, this timeline means winter reliability issues may persist through at least 2026.

Until replacement batteries arrive, software restrictions remain in place. These restrictions prevent charging in cold conditions and limit range.

Green Mountain Transit is seeking a financial remedy from New Flyer. Management stated that GMT told lawmakers it is trying to hold the manufacturer accountable for financial harm while also pursuing a solution before batteries are replaced.

Charging infrastructure limits indoor storage

Green Mountain Transit garages do not currently have adequate fire mitigation systems for electric buses. Without this equipment, buses cannot be stored or charged indoors safely.

Clark said the agency is working to improve fire mitigation through a pending federal grant. Until upgrades are completed, electric buses must remain outdoors.

Outdoor storage exposes batteries to freezing temperatures. This directly conflicts with the charging limits imposed after the recall. Infrastructure gaps have become a central barrier to electric bus use in Vermont.

Electric fleet expansion plans continue

Despite current problems, Green Mountain Transit plans to expand its electric fleet. Seven additional buses were ordered in September 2025, with delivery scheduled for 2027. Another seven are scheduled for delivery in 2028.

Future buses will use different batteries than those recalled. These electric buses represent the agency’s primary source of new vehicles over the next three years. Canceling the electric bus grant would result in a funding loss. According to Clark, funds cannot be redirected to other bus types.

Policy analysts warn of planning gaps

William Rampe of the Institute for Energy Research said the electric bus failure highlights planning gaps. He said cold temperatures and fire risks make the fleet unusable for months.

Rampe said these failures add costs for taxpayers and reduce transit reliability. Agencies may need to invest in replacements or infrastructure upgrades.

He argued that electric vehicles require specific conditions and support systems. Without those, reliability suffers. Vermont winter conditions magnify these risks compared to warmer regions.

Broader concerns about electric vehicle reliability

Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency and slow charging, which is why many fleets plan for winter operations by managing temperatures, developing charging strategies, and sizing routes.

He also questioned sustainability claims. He noted that heavier electric vehicles increase particulate emissions from tire wear, particularly during acceleration.

These concerns extend beyond buses to broader adoption of electric vehicles. Vermont electric bus challenges have become a case study in how climate, infrastructure, and technology interact in public transportation systems.

For a broader view of the policy tensions around transportation spending, see why Oregon’s governor is now pushing to undo her own four billion dollar transportation bill.

Vermont electric bus issues highlight policy tradeoffs

Green Mountain Transit’s problems with its electric buses reflect broader policy trade-offs. Federal grant priorities favored electric vehicles, influencing local fleet decisions.

Cold weather, battery safety recalls, and infrastructure gaps have limited bus availability. Riders face service disruptions, while agencies face rising costs and long repair timelines.

Vermont’s experience shows that vehicle technology must match regional conditions. Transit agencies, policymakers, and taxpayers continue to weigh environmental goals against reliability and public service needs.

For another example of how transportation policies can carry unexpected costs, read why some U.S. drivers could face five-hundred-dollar fines for leaving their cars unattended in winter.

What do you think about what’s behind the reliability problems of Vermont’s electric buses this winter, and how are they impacting travel? Share your thoughts and drop a comment.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Read More From This Brand:

• This 1856 Vermont tackle shop is why you can order anything online now
• California plans a workaround as electric vehicle tax credits vanish
• Yale reveals why electric bills are crushing American homeowners