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UAA officials show off a plug-in electric hybrid bus, Nov. 26, 2008, at the school's administration building.

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Erik Hill / ADN file photo

UAA officials show off a plug-in electric hybrid bus, Nov. 26, 2008, at the school's administration building.

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Hybrid bus finds Anchorage a tough environment

Published: August 27th, 2009 11:13 AM
Last Modified: August 27th, 2009 11:23 AM

Link: The Northern Light, UAA The University of Alaska Anchorage won't soon be purchasing plug-in hybrid buses like the one tested on campus last year. The cold was tough on the batteries, rendering the bus less efficient as the temperature dropped. "The first-generation Toyota Prius had its problems too," UAA fleet maintenance supervisor Greg Schubauer said. "It's the same with any emerging technology." The shuttle ran on batteries up to about 35 mph, when the diesel engine kicked in. In warmer weather, it did save on diesel costs. But the buses are expensive to buy -- more than double the price of a standard bus. And if UAA ever opts for a fleet of plug-in vehicles, it will need to add outlets in strategic locations across campus -- another expensive proposition.

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