Electrifying your fleet raises many questions and concerns for everyone involved. Here are some of the most common ones we encounter.
Electric school buses rely on electric vehicle chargers to recharge their batteries. ESBs use either level 2 or level 3 chargers.
Electric School Buses produce zero tailpipe emissions— unlike diesel and gas-powered engines, which emit significant quantities of air pollutants that affect students, drivers, and communities. Transitioning to electric vehicles, including Electric School Buses, in New York will improve student health and reduce greenhouse gases, resulting in significantly fewer asthma attacks annually, according to the American Lung Association. Also, a 2024 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that replacing diesel school buses with electric ones can generate up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per bus.
Electric vehicles overall have proven to be very safe.
In fact, they are less likely to be involved in fires than vehicles powered by diesel or gasoline. A recent National A Transportation Safety Board analysis found that in 2022, 1,530 gasoline-powered vehicles per 100,000 were involved in vehicle fires, compared to just 25 electric vehicles per 100,000.
Electric School Buses function at all temperature ranges. They lose battery capacity in frigid weather and operate at about 80% of their rated range at 32°F and about 60% at 10°F. However, today’s electric school bus models can travel 100-200+ miles on a charge longer than the average New York State bus run of 80 miles/day, so most routes are still feasible even in cold weather. And batteries are getting better as the technology evolves.
School buses work most efficiently on flat terrains, but electric buses operate in at least 38 states, including hilly areas in Colorado and Montana. Hills decrease the battery’s range, but the average New York State bus route can still be completed using today’s existing Electric School Buses.
The average New York State school bus travels 80 miles a day, even in rural districts, which is achievable with today’s Electric School Buses and will only get better as technology improves rapidly. Lake Shore School District in Western New York is operating its first Electric School Bus on its longest route, and Greenpower just announced a bus with a 300-mile range.
Transitioning to Electric School Buses is a long-term process; while districts gradually purchase buses and chargers, the utilities prepare the grid for additional capacity.
NYSERDA’s FlexTech Program covers 75% of the cost of fleet electrification planning, and disadvantaged Priority Districts are eligible for 100% coverage. While the upfront costs of Electric School Buses are significantly higher than those of diesel/gasoline buses, current state and federal incentives like the New York School Bus Incentive Program, as well as much lower maintenance costs, bring the total cost of ownership more in line with that of diesel—and gasoline-fueled buses.
Electric school buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality. They also decrease students’ exposure to harmful pollutants like diesel exhaust, which is linked to respiratory and cognitive health issues.
Electric buses eliminate diesel exhaust, reducing the risks of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. Cleaner air also supports better cognitive development and academic performance among students.
While the upfront costs are higher, electric buses save money over time due to lower maintenance and fuel costs. Districts can save up to $100,000 in operational expenses per bus over their lifetime.
V2G allows electric buses to send stored energy back to the grid during idle times, providing backup power and potentially generating revenue for school districts.
Yes, they reduce noise pollution (quieter operation) and improve air quality, creating healthier environments for students and surrounding communities.
Studies show that students exposed to cleaner air on electric buses perform better academically, with test score improvements comparable to those of students with more experienced teachers.
Electric buses have fewer moving parts than diesel engines, eliminating the need for oil changes and reducing annual maintenance costs by approximately $4,400 per bus.
Low-income and minority communities often face higher exposure to air pollution. Electric buses help mitigate this disparity by improving air quality in these areas.
Yes, they have been proven reliable in diverse conditions, from freezing winters in Michigan to the heat of Arizona.
Federal programs like the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, state grants, utility incentives, and municipal bonds can help offset initial costs for districts adopting electric fleets.
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 situtation.
*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.
