Some school districts across the country are slowly converting buses in their fleets to electric power. An Environmental Protection Agency program is helping rural and low-income and high-need school districts receive them through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Now that more districts are deploying e-buses, fleet managers in school districts are assessing how they will perform over the long haul.
One Vermont school district recently wrapped up testing on how the e-buses will survive winters in the Northeastern state. South Burlington’s school district recently passed the one-year mark with using electric buses. The district says it can use diesel auxiliary heaters to keep students warm on their way to school.
In addition to potential winter challenges, districts also need to consider replacing malfunctioning chargers and replacement parts. Schools also need to be sure they do not run the buses on routes beyond their charges. Routes with hilly terrain can affect the length of charge.
An environmental analyst for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources says the buses save school districts nearly $2,000 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions every 10,000 miles driven compared to diesel buses according to a local TV station.
Dave Lubach is executive editor for the facility market.
