Electric school buses (ESBs) are revolutionizing student transportation and offering significant environmental, health, and economic advantages. With some states already enacting requirements for this transition, plenty of questions and concerns have been raised by the school bus fleets and districts that have relied on traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses for decades.
Sprague has a 155-year history of navigating energy transitions for its commercial, industrial, and government customers across the Northeast and Quebec. To help you navigate this topic, we’ve summarized key ESB benefits and tips that are outlined in resources, including the New York State Electric School Bus Guidebook and the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program site.
Environmental and Health Benefits
ESBs offer a breath of fresh air, by eliminating harmful tailpipe emissions, improving air quality inside the bus for passengers, and outside in their surrounding community. This is especially vital for children, who are more susceptible to the health problems caused by diesel pollution. ESBs also lessen our reliance on fossil fuels significantly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the way to a cleaner planet.
Beyond emissions, ESBs offer quieter rides, reduced brake dust, and use less oil. Additionally, smart charging practices and route planning can further enhance their environmental benefits.
Financial Incentives
The upfront cost of ESBs can be offset by a variety of financial incentives, including tax incentives, vouchers, rebates, and grants. For example, New York’s State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers programs to provide financial support to help offset the costs of transitioning to a zero-emission fleet. Many programs also prioritize underserved communities, and federal and state funding opportunities exist, such as the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. Additionally, per the Electric School Bus Initiative’s article on ESB tax credits, IRS guidance states that “tax credits can be stacked with tax-exempt grants and forgivable loans.”
Procuring Electric School Buses
Several procurement options exist, including traditional purchase orders, state contracts (like the OGS contract in New York), RFPs, and cooperative purchasing. “As-a-Service” contracts also offer an alternative financing model.
A phased approach to implementation is often recommended, and tools like total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) calculators can help you estimate potential savings.
Maximizing Miles with Routing Strategies
Effective route planning is essential for maximizing your ESB range and efficiency. Other factors at play include battery capacity, vehicle efficiency, temperature, heating and cooling needs, terrain, and driving habits. Preconditioning the bus and promoting smooth driving styles can extend the range and right-size the battery for your specific needs.
Charging Depot Planning
Setting up your charging depot requires careful planning and coordination with your utility provider. Key steps include assessing your fleet needs, engaging your utility early for a site assessment, and developing a comprehensive Fleet Electrification Plan (FEP).
You’ll want to consider factors like the number of buses, charging capacity, site modifications, and permitting requirements and explore utility “make-ready” programs and grants to help fund infrastructure upgrades. It’s also recommended to develop a conceptual charging strategy and a phased implementation plan, which includes ensuring that your depot is resilient to potential disruptions and future-proofed for expansion.
Keeping it Rolling with Operations and Maintenance
ESBs generally require less maintenance than traditional buses, given their fewer moving parts and regenerative braking, and they potentially require lower fuel costs, depending on electricity rates. Managing electricity costs, particularly demand charges, is also important for maximizing cost savings. You’ll want to implement smart charging practices to help reduce peak demand and even explore the potential for your electric buses to provide power back to the grid during peak demand, creating revenue opportunities and strengthening community resilience. Proper training for drivers and technicians is also crucial for safe and efficient operation.
By understanding these key aspects of ESB implementation, school districts can make informed decisions and successfully transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable transportation system.
If you’re looking for additional information or expert guidance, reach out to our team. Fueling possibilities since 1870, Sprague has led the way in evolving and innovating to meet energy needs. We have championed advancements in transportation and heating fuels to reduce environmental footprints for our customers, and we’re focused on increasing our renewable and lower-carbon fuel offerings throughout our Northeast terminal network.
Sprague is committed to empowering your transition to electrification with our comprehensive, flexible, and simplified solutions. From fleet management to EV charging stations and depots, we provide everything you need to navigate the complex EV landscape with ease and certainty. We’re here to support you through every step of your electrification journey.
