A brand new electric bus waits to be charged. (Photo credit: Proterra)
As the world calls for a more sustainable future, the transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Among the exciting developments in this field is the electrification of school buses. Electric school buses are gaining attention and momentum, reshaping the way students commute to and from school.
Environmental Advantages
Yellow diesel school buses have long been a staple of student transportation, but they come with a hefty environmental cost. These buses emit harmful pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Diesel vehicles contribute to harmful greenhouse gasses such as ground-level ozone and particulates.
There is good news on the horizon! According to the EPA, electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions. This translates to a reduction of several million tons of carbon emissions when scaled, leaving a huge opportunity to improve air quality and combat climate change. Of course, it’s important to recognize that the generation of electricity to run e-vehicles comes from all sources–renewable and non-renewable. Therefore, consider where your energy comes from and opt for renewable energy such as wind or solar as your energy provider.
Keeping Health in Mind
The health of children is at risk as emissions from diesel buses can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Fine particulate matter from diesel fumes can damage children’s lungs. Children face higher risks than adults due to their developing lungs and volume of air intake per pound of body weight. Exhaust inhalation is associated with an increase in illness, including cancer.
Risks of Idling
Diesel particulates contain hundreds of different gaseous and solid chemicals. As vehicles line up to pick up or drop off children, idling engines release diesel particulates. Idling buses are often near waiting or playing children, who inhale the exhaust full of these chemicals.. Inhalation is associated with an increase in illness, including cancer.
Diesel emissions fill the air near a sidewalk in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mark J. Terrill)
Many schools are taking action and invoking “No Idling” policies. Idling is inefficient as it creates air pollution, wastes gas, and is costly. For more “No Idling” information for schools, see this article.
No idling sign protects the health of children. (Photo by Kylie Akiyama)
Benefits Outweigh Costs
The initial purchase price of electric school buses may be higher than traditional buses, with the average cost being around $350,000. However, the long-term cost savings are substantial due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses. Electric engines are simpler to operate with less parts to maintain. This can lead to an expected savings of roughly $100,000 per school bus on maintenance over its lifetime compared to diesel buses.
Many grants, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection AFIG Grant and New Jersey bill S-886, which provides low-financing loans to schools buying electric buses, make replacing a diesel bus with an electric one affordable for hundreds of schools. The Inflation Reduction Act also allows for hefty tax credits for the purchase of Electric Vehicles, including school buses. Additionally the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has committed $5 billion in grants to electrify America’s school buses through the Clean School Bus Program (CSB), awarding $965 million to schools in 2022. This year’s rebate CSB application is open now.
EV charging station fills a new bus with electricity in Beverly, MA. (Photo by Robin Lubbock)
The Growing Interest in Sustainable Transportation
The adoption of electric school buses is steadily increasing across the United States, reflecting growing interest in sustainable transportation. In the United States, over 5,000 new buses have been ordered in the past year alone. Numerous school districts have successfully implemented pilot programs with electric school buses, reporting positive results in terms of efficiency and reduced emissions. The Boston School district recently began the transition away from diesel buses, phasing in 20 new electric buses earlier this year with no plans to stop. Governor Wu’s Green New Deal plans to replace all 620 of its diesel buses with electric ones by 2030. Philadelphia has added 5 new electric buses this past year, according to The Center Square.
By reducing bus emissions, we can create healthier environments for the 24 million US students that ride the bus every day. Electric school buses emerge as a solution that addresses both environmental and health concerns, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. Will your next yellow school bus become green?
Article by Sarah Treacy, Boston College ‘24, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.
Article printed in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer Vol . XII, No. 15 - October 20, 2023.
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