The buses are powered exclusively by lithium-ion batteries that take about three hours to recharge. The buses are expected to travel approximately on a single charge; however, when the bus heater activates in cold weather, the range is reduced by 30–50%. (For perspective, an electric bus on the 35 Jane route travels about in a day.) Per year, each electric bus will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by and eliminate diesel fuel costs of $56,000. The electric buses are 15–20% quieter in motion, and 85% quieter when idling. These buses, with a 440,000-watt onboard battery, can be used as mobile power plants during power outages, by plugging the bus into a building such as a hospital.