Charging Fire Risk Halts NJ Transit’s Electric Bus Pilot: A Major Roadblock on the Road to Zero-Emissions
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey’s ambitious transition to an all-electric bus fleet just hit a massive speed bump. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a critical recall on September 20, 2025, for several models of electric buses manufactured by New Flyer of America, one of which is currently being used in NJ Transit’s electric bus pilot program.
The root of the problem? A dangerous fire risk emanating from the high-voltage battery system.
The Fire Hazard: Why Buses are Restricted
According to the NHTSA safety alert, the high-voltage batteries in the affected models—which include the New Flyer XE35, XE40, and XE60 buses—”may experience a short circuit within the battery module when charging to near or full capacity.” This short circuit directly increases the risk of a thermal event and potential fire.
NJ Transit had purchased eight of these high-tech buses for $9.4 million, deploying them in a pilot program in Camden since October 2022. The buses are equipped with the largest available battery storage system (560 kilowatt-hours), making the fire warning particularly critical.
To mitigate the immediate danger, the NHTSA issued urgent safety directives to all owners:
- Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
- Avoid charging vehicles above 75% capacity.
Safety Over Range: NJ Transit Responds
While NJ Transit spokeswoman Anjali Hemphill confirmed that the agency’s New Flyer electric buses have experienced no fires and are safe to operate using the manufacturer’s interim safety measures, the operational impact is significant.
“The buses are safe to operate using interim safety measures provided by New Flyer,” Hemphill stated. However, she admitted that following the 75% charging limit means the “range of the buses will be significantly restricted.”
The remedy for the battery issue is still “currently under development,” leaving the future range and performance of these key pilot vehicles uncertain.
A Bumpy Road to Green: The Larger Electrification Challenge
This recall is the latest in a series of hurdles facing NJ Transit’s transition to a zero-emission fleet. Critics have previously pointed to the slow pace of the transition, which has been plagued by technological and logistical complexities.
New Jersey has aggressive deadlines mandated by Governor Phil Murphy’s legislation:
- 10% of new bus purchases must be zero-emission by December 31, 2024.
- 100% of new bus purchases must be zero-emission by December 31, 2032.
However, the technology’s reliability continues to be an issue nationwide. Other major transit agencies, including those in Philadelphia, New York City, and New Mexico, have reported problems with electric bus reliability, range limitations, and even battery fire incidents involving defunct manufacturer Proterra (which filed for bankruptcy in 2023).
The Infrastructure Headache
Beyond the vehicle performance, the cost and complexity of upgrading infrastructure remains a monumental task. NJ Transit has estimated it needs at least $1.3 billion to revamp just five of its sixteen bus garages to accommodate electric charging equipment and battery maintenance. While the agency has secured hundreds of millions in federal grants, the massive capital investment is far from complete.
In the meantime, the agency is not stopping its modernization efforts. It recently unveiled new buses that are part of a massive order for 1,400+ new diesel buses planned for the next six years, equipped with the cleanest Tier 4 engines. While the NJ Transit board has authorized the purchase of 46 more zero-emission buses this year, the delivery date remains unknown.
The message is clear: the push for a greener fleet is essential, but the road is proving longer, bumpier, and more expensive than many anticipated.
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The lunacy continues.
I hear the solar panels on Village Hall are being removed.
Hush, hush, they never worked.
More feel good bullshit.
I wonder if KK will be there with his camera.
Diversity equity and inclusion suck.
I’m in an office with a bunch of unmotivated lazy workers and I do double the work snd manage tougher workload and we get paid the same.
After taxes it’s not much at all. I’m also realizing that people are pretty fake and people are looking out for their own interests and don’t ever want to share. No one shares anymore or offers anything to other. I think people take a lot for granted and are living too comfortably and coviently here
Did we expect anything more from NJT, the state of NJ and Phil Murphy? What an absolute joke. There will be more of the SAME if Sherrill is elected. A push for electric vehicles, wind mills and soft on crime policies. Her commercial stating she will stop utility cost increases when it was dems/her green energy policies that got us here . She is Kamala 2.0 at best. She can’t form a coherent response to a tough question. Did she cheat on her exams? Did she make $7m in profits on stock trades ? Did she smooth the path for her 2 kids to gain acceptance in the Naval Academy ?
Let’s try something else and elect Jack .