Under heavy load, electric motors get hot faster (which makes them less efficient). It doesn't surprise me to hear they're having problems with towing.
As far as the battery, at least in NYC there was talk of having quick charging stations at the end of each line. However the typical driver layover time is on the order of twenty minutes, so they'd have to be real quick charging.
Never mind vandalism of charging stations, and that areas of NYC flood easily. I lived in an area where it floods easily in a moderate rain storm. The arrival of hybrid buses years ago also saw the arrival of "No service due to road conditions."
Many are stuck in this mindset "OMFG! The world is going to end literally, TOMORROW, if we don't stop global warming!" and providing knee-jerk responses. Corporations have no problem cashing in on it.
I understand the use of EV's for passenger cars, but transportation isn't a one size fits all.
As far as the load however, higher speeds aren't required, and they can maneuver like rhinos and it's OK. NYC Subway cars do pretty well hauling loads, the most powerful motors being ~160hp (unfortunately torque ratings are impossible to find), with the car body itself being over 40 tons.
> I understand the use of EV's for passenger cars, but transportation isn't a one size fits all.
I agree fully. Right now all this is a money grab because it's being thrown around in the name of climate change.
I am of a sort of mind where tech should have limited use in the transportation space, where reliability should be primary. Our subway trains and signals routinely have some sort of computer related issues where implemented. The older tech tends to have fewer issues when maintained properly.