Passengers point out the heat on the new electric buses; what is the congregation's response?

Passengers have raised concerns about high temperatures inside new electric buses operated by Ljubljana Public Transport (LPP). Reports from commuters indicate that during summer months, some electric buses can become uncomfortably hot, leading to questions about whether drivers are using climate control systems effectively. The issue has sparked discussions among regular users who rely on these routes, particularly lines 1 and 3, which were recently upgraded with electric buses. The complaints began around mid-July 2026, with one commuter noting that the heat inside the electric buses was significantly more intense compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. He described the experience as uncomfortable, especially during peak hours when the sun is strongest. The passenger observed that while the climate control systems were present, they seemed less effective in maintaining a comfortable temperature. He speculated that drivers might be instructed to turn off the climate system to conserve energy, though this remains unconfirmed. LPP responded to the feedback, stating that four complaints had been received regarding the operation of climate control systems on the new electric buses. According to the company, the climate systems on these buses are factory-set based on local weather conditions. They explained that the cooling mechanisms differ from those in conventional buses because they are designed to maintain a suitable temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. This setup aims to provide comfort without excessive energy consumption. Since the introduction of the new electric buses into regular service, LPP has adjusted the cooling settings based on real-world conditions and user experiences. The company emphasized that these adjustments were made to optimize comfort for passengers during the summer season. They noted that the climate control systems are now better aligned with current weather patterns, aiming to enhance overall passenger satisfaction. One key point of clarification from LPP is that the cooling of battery packs operates independently from the climate control system within the passenger compartment. They clarified that the heating or cooling of batteries does not directly affect the performance of the climate control system used for passenger comfort. This distinction is crucial, as some passengers had suggested that high temperatures could reduce the effectiveness of the climate controls. LPP further stated that the issues encountered are not due to a systemic flaw in the bus models themselves. Instead, they attributed the challenges to the need for initial calibration of the climate systems after the buses entered regular service. The company highlighted that these vehicles are relatively new and required fine-tuning to adapt to the specific environmental conditions of Ljubljana during the warmer months. As of now, there are no indications of broader technical failures affecting all units. LPP continues to monitor passenger feedback and is committed to making further improvements where necessary. The situation underscores the ongoing efforts to balance energy efficiency with passenger comfort in the transition to electric public transport.