Alternative Fuel Bus Options For Private Motorcoach Operators

James Wang is CEO and Owner of Peoria Charter. (Photo courtesy of Peoria Charter)

By James Wang, CEO and Owner of Peoria Charter

If anyone thinks that being a motorcoach company owner is a life of comfort and glamour, they

better think again. Don’t get me wrong — I love this industry, and I love being the CEO and Owner of Peoria Charter — but this is not an easy business to run. Every decision must be practical, efficient, and beneficial to operations and the bottom line.

So when a private bus company owner is deciding whether to purchase a motorcoach that runs on something other than diesel, the alternative must be just as simple, if not more. Not just in theory, but in execution.

My Experience Driving Electric Buses

I had the unique opportunity to drive an all-electric double-decker across the United States. This wasn’t just a test drive; it was a real-world challenge. We had to navigate nearly 3,000 miles, through desert heat and humid southern states, while relying solely on public charging infrastructure.

The bus itself was an impressive machine; and on a full charge we could achieve around 250 miles of range, but we never wanted to push it that far. Our goal was to stay above 50%, but broken charging stations sometimes forced us to drop as low as 20%.

Beyond this journey, I was also invited by another manufacturer to test an all-electric bus in a head-to-head “drag race” with a conventional diesel bus, and the electric bus won every time. It was an exhilarating experience that demonstrated the potential power and smoothness of electric propulsion. The manufacturer has put serious effort into making their electric coach a strong contender.

The main challenge to this technology for private motorcoach operators, however, involve the current available charging infrastructure in place along today’s roads. That includes inadequate spaces for charging a large vehicle such as a motorcoach, and limited availability of chargers for the general public.

The Bottom Line

I love the idea of EVs. The concept is great, and I believe we will refine the technology to make it more practical for private operators in the future. Although challenges remain, that’s not to say it will never be an option. There continues to be a need, meanwhile, for governments and private stakeholders to work together to continue developing the charging infrastructure that can accommodate more commercial vehicles.

Peoria Charter has been a trusted name in passenger transportation since 1941, providing safe, reliable, and comfortable travel for individuals, schools, universities, and organizations. Based in Illinois, Peoria Charter operates a modern fleet of motorcoaches serving Peoria, Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, and beyond. With a commitment to safety and customer service, we connect people to their destinations with ease. Learn more at www.peoriacharter.com.