Electric School Buses Operation in the US Faces Challenges as Lawmakers Expresses Opposition

electric school buses challenges development

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Feb 26, 12:28 am

Less than 1% of the nearly 500,000 school buses in the U.S. were electric by the end of 2023, in spite of the opportunity of this neat machinery for years.

Electric School Buses Began Operation a Decade Ago

The early electric school buses in the U.S. began running in California a decade ago, contributing a reasonable and less stain difference to diesel buses.

However, the slow acceptance means that more buses still use a fuel that discharges harmful pollution into the air.

The setting might be developing, though. Corresponding to the World Resources Institute's Electric School Bus Initiative, the statistic of electric school buses on the road or on order in the U.S. has more than tripled in the last two years.

This has resulted in an important boost in the statistics of students riding electric school buses, rising from approximately 20,000 in 2020 to 200,000 three years later.

Despite this growth, difficulties endure. The cost of electric buses, which is two to three times bigger than diesel buses, is a main difficulty.

While the Environmental Protection Agency is setting aside funds for zero-emissions buses, prevailing approval and dealing with letup in distribution and charging infrastructure pose additional barriers.

Wyoming, for instance, dismissed EPA funding over consideration about the scope of electric buses in cold conditions.

Even when districts agree to adopt electric buses, they often continue purchasing new diesel buses simultaneously.

Additionally, the transition to electric buses is more likely when there is a passionate advocate, but parents dealing with their children's health issues, such as asthma, may face challenges in actively pushing for change due to time constraints.

The shift towards electric school buses is a complex process involving various barriers that need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

Advantages of Electric School Buses

Eradication of tailpipe deterioration leading to an approximately lower risk of risky diesel discharge like PM and NOX for students, drivers, and the community.
Lessens greenhouse gas discharge compared to diesel-powered school buses.
Lower preservation costs, with less brake wear due to developmental braking and no need for engine or exhaust system preservation.
Potential for decreased fuel costs compared to diesel, contingent on electricity costs.
Quiet and clean operation.
Opportunity for fleets to collaborate with local utilities to supply power back to the grid during periods of bus inactivity and high electricity demand.
Possible positive effect on student attendance and academic achievement.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides beneficial data on the benefits and detriments of using electricity to fuel school buses.

Use of Electric School Buses Faces Opposition

Local leaders in Long Island are opposing a state proposal advocating the use of electric school buses. The state's budget for 2022-23 precepts that all new buses must be zero-discharged by 2027, with the fill fleet enforced to be zero-discharged by 2035.

Senators at the Levittown Schools bus yard expressed concerns about the financial and safety implications, particularly the higher costs associated with electric buses.

State Sen. Steve Rhoads urged the governor and state Legislature to delay the electric bus mandate until technology advances and a feasible implementation plan is in place.

In response, a spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted the health risks posed by conventional buses and mentioned the allocation of $500 million from the Environmental Bond Act for this initiative.