Challenges of Electric School Buses in Different States

Daniel Turner, founder of Power the Future, discussed on “The Bottom Line” the lawsuit from the Trump administration against California regarding truck emissions standards and electric vehicle (EV) mandates. In the meantime, several school districts across various states are now obligated to integrate electric buses into their fleets.

States like New York and California are pushing for the adoption of zero-emission school buses, setting different timelines for implementation. New York plans to enforce its rules starting in 2027, mandating all new buses must be electric by 2035. California’s requirements will kick in around the same time but allow local districts some leeway with five-year extensions.

Many districts are piloting electric school buses as they prepare for these rules. However, a new report indicates that the operational costs and challenges posed by electric buses differ significantly from those of traditional diesel buses.

Parent Concerns Over Winter Conditions

In New York, some parents have voiced concerns that their children are “freezing” while riding on the mandatory electric school buses during the harsh winter months. The adjustment to these new buses is proving to be challenging.

A report from professors in Rochester evaluated the financial impacts on the Naples Central School District, which had procured two electric buses using federal grants. They’ve been in use for almost two full school years now.

Transportation Commissioner and Chief Mechanic Pat Elwell mentioned to News10NBC that, while personal EVs might be “ahead of their time,” electric buses are similarly limited by the current state of technology, particularly regarding battery efficiency.

Interestingly, a recent cold snap has raised eyebrows about the Biden administration’s $8 billion push for electric buses. Critics have pointed out potential oversights in the initiative. Elwell noted that local drivers have acknowledged benefits of electric buses, like better hill performance and smoother rides, but were quick to add that their efficiency is quite temperature-sensitive. The optimal temperature range seems to be between 20 and 80 degrees, and operating outside of this can significantly affect battery longevity.

During particularly cold weather, Elwell noted, the school district has refrained from using electric buses nearly half the time this winter. About 20% of battery power is required just for heating, making it necessary to recharge during the day to ensure adequate power for afternoon routes.

Electric Buses Going Unused

It’s been noted that many electric buses are sitting idle in various U.S. cities. The report indicated that these buses often struggle to maintain battery efficiency in extreme temperatures.

In discussions comparing the operational costs of electric and diesel school buses, Elwell clarified that operating diesel buses costs roughly 36 cents per mile, largely stable due to fixed fuel contracts. On the other hand, electricity costs can be unpredictable. He indicated that the district incurs about $3.18 per mile for electric buses when factoring in all relevant costs.

Superintendent Kevin Swartz also mentioned that there’s currently no plan to acquire more electric buses, particularly given the nearly $300,000 cost difference compared to diesel buses.

Naples, which is a relatively small district, usually sees a bus turnover of two per year. Swartz reported that the additional taxpayer funding needed would reach approximately $600,000, excluding expenses for charging stations and infrastructure upgrades that would also be needed if they pursued an expanded electric fleet.