The USAID report on advancing a modern, clean, and accessible bus system in Quito, Ecuador, outlines key lessons learned in the transition to electric public transportation. One significant finding is that retrofitting existing diesel buses to electric is less cost-effective and presents higher operational risks compared to acquiring new electric buses. Challenges include the lack of experienced retrofit companies, absence of specific regulations ensuring quality, and higher total cost of ownership for retrofitted buses. Additionally, retrofitted buses often have limited operating ranges and potential safety issues, making new electric buses a more viable option for large-scale public transport systems. The report also emphasizes the importance of selecting electric buses tailored to specific route conditions, considering factors such as daily kilometers traveled, route gradients, operating schedules, and temperature variations
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