New York State has mandated the transition to zero-emission school busesby 2035, making fleet electrification planning the first step for school districts. A key factor includes a complete evaluation of fleet operations and electrical capabilities.
A Fleet Electrification Plan (FEP) is a roadmap to electrify a school district or third-party operator’s school bus fleet by 2035. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of existing fleet operations and depot electrical capabilities. The plan will serve as a guide, or action plan, that identifies and prioritizes recommendations to help fleet owners make informed decisions about bus and infrastructure purchases and installations.
Completing a FEP also unlocks additional funding for electric school buses and chargers, prepares fleet owners to apply for incentives, and prepares school districts to meet their Education Law 3638 reporting requirements.
NYSERDA provides funding to school districts and third-party bus operators to complete FEPs.(source: NYSERDA)
Matthews Buses EV Specialist will work with you to unpack the challenges your district may face and prepare you for success with the tools needed for your Fleet Electrification Plan (FEP).
While each district will have a customized FEP tailored to its unique requirements, each Plan will have standard components. The following elements must be included for approval:
An overview of the electric bus assessment and the approach to fleet electrification. This may include the proposed timeline and milestones for electrification.
Analysis of the time and distance involved in each available bus route, which is necessary to understand the range requirements. The analysis will support recommendations for minimum battery requirements and the total energy required to charge the batteries.
Developing a charging strategy that includes the number of chargers, power ratings, preferred charging times, and on- and off-peak demands.
In coordination with the fleet owner’s utility provided, analysis of the existing grid connection and additional electrical capacity required to meet the energy needs determined by the Route Analysis. Equipment needs, upgrades, costs required to provide extra power, and the expected rates for charging buses will be identified.
Developing a unified phasing plan for capital projects, vehicle replacements, and charger installations. The phasing plan will include a schedule and transition cost estimate for Utility upgrade/site work, bus purchases, charger purchases, and operating costs.
Get the information and resources you need to get started today. When you are ready, reach out to one of our experts that will help you tailor a plan for your specific situation.
*We are pleased to offer complimentary EV support to school districts in upstate New York. Contact us today to see if your district is in our qualified area.
