Should you switch to electric school buses or stick with the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses? The choice comes down to considering what each school bus option means for our future — meeting new emissions requirements, potential savings and ensuring a cleaner environment for everyone.
Right now, we’re at an interesting crossroads in how we think about getting our kids to school. To move school transportation in a more eco-friendly and efficient direction, learning the details and benefits of electric and ICE school buses is crucial.
What to Consider When Choosing School Buses
When it comes to getting kids to and from school safely, there are a few things to consider: vehicle performance, cost implications and whether the technology is good for our planet. This is where electric school buses are starting to take the lead over diesel buses.
Electric buses might cost more upfront, but they’re cheaper to run and maintain than their diesel counterparts. According to theEnvironmental Defense Fund (EDF), “Diesel school buses can drive at 8.20 miles per gallon, whereas an electric school bus drives at 20.87 miles per diesel gallon equivalent — making them almost 60% more energy efficient.”
As for maintenance savings, EDF also noted that having fewer rotating and moving parts makes the electric school bus less costly in the long run. For school districts trying to work within their budgets and keep their fleets up-to-date, these kinds of savings can really make a difference.
The Rise of the Electric School Bus
Electric school bus fleet implementation is driven primarily by environmental advantages and significant reductions in the total cost of ownership.
According to theElectric School Bus Initiative, as of February 2024, more than 4,000 electric school buses were delivered or in operation across the United States, with states like California leading the charge through ambitious electrification initiatives and grant programs based on theWorld Resources Institute.
The environmental benefits of school bus electrification are substantial. TheU.S. Department of Energy notes that electric vehicles (EVs), including buses, emit zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The Persistent Value of Diesel School Buses
Known for their durability and reliability, diesel buses have served school districts faithfully for decades.
High Mileage
Diesel engines can handle high mileage with less wear and tear than other engine types. This durability translates into longer service life, making diesel buses a reliable backbone for school fleets across varied geographic and climatic conditions.
Their widespread use and established maintenance frameworks also mean that parts and services are readily available, which can minimize downtime and allow buses to spend more time on the road.
Lower Upfront Cost
The upfront cost of a diesel school bus is generally lower than that of an electric counterpart. Furthermore, the market for used diesel school buses offers an additional layer of budget-friendly choices for districts looking to expand or renew their fleets without the hefty price tag of new vehicles. These used buses can provide considerable service life at a fraction of the cost, offering a solution for schools that need reliable transportation but must carefully manage their expenditures.
Infrastructure Challenges
For many school districts, infrastructure challenges and the need for substantial upfront investment in charging stations and related equipment can hinder the transition to electric buses. In such scenarios, diesel buses remain attractive, offering a tried-and-tested solution that can be implemented immediately without the logistical and financial hurdles associated with electric vehicle adoption.
Electric vs. Diesel: A Comparative Analysis
When comparing electric and diesel school buses, several factors should be considered:
Safety
Electric buses offer the advantage of a lower center of gravity, which may improve stability and safety. However, both electric and diesel buses meet rigorous safety standards set by theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ensuring all school buses are safe for student transportation.
Operational Costs
Electric school buses offer lower operational costs over their lifespan. As theElectric School Bus Initiative reports, “Over time, the savings electric school buses offer on operational expenses like fueling and maintenance add up and can offset the upfront price of the bus. In fact, the real lifetime cost of electric school buses can be much closer to that of their diesel-burning counterparts.”
Environmental Impact
Earth 911 highlights that choosing an electric bus over a diesel bus can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 54,000 pounds annually. This significant reduction in emissions contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment for communities.
Health Advantage
Children who are regularly exposed to bus exhaust face a higher risk of developing respiratory conditions and experiencing aggravated asthma symptoms.
According to theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA), “The global disease burden resulting from exposure to traffic emissions is a growing worldwide public health threat. Children — from infancy to the age of 14 — are especially susceptible to the health effects of traffic emissions due to their rapidly developing immune, neurologic and lung systems and high ventilation rates.”
Given that children’s respiratory systems are developing and they breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults, they are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution.
Additionally, electric buses operate more quietly than those with combustion engines, benefiting not just the environment but also the health of both passengers and drivers
Immediate Cost Vs. Long-term Benefit
Choosing between electric and ICE school buses involves weighing the immediate costs against the long-term benefits and impacts. While diesel buses offer a lower upfront cost and proven reliability, electric buses substantially save operational costs and provide environmental benefits over time.
For school districts, especially in regions like Oregon, where greener transportation options are actively pursued, the investment in electric buses could be seen as a commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility in the long run.
Making the Case for Electric School Buses in Decision-Making
For transportation directors, fleet managers and school bus operators, purchasing school buses involves balancing the benefits of electric school buses against the appeal of used diesel buses.
This decision is not solely based on the vehicles’ specifications but extends to considerations of dealer reputation, service quality and the support network available post-purchase.
If your vehicle has issues, our trained vehicle experts can give technical assistance you get your bus back on the road.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales’ Warranty
Ourwarranty andnationwide delivery and support services ensure that no matter where your district is located, you can count on us to provide you with the reliable transportation solutions you need. With Schetky Bus & Van Sales, you’re not just purchasing a bus; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to the safety and efficiency of your school’s transportation system.
Choose Schetky School Buses to Bring Your Children to School
Schetky Bus & Van Sales has quality new and used school buses for sale in Oregon and Washington. Our vehicles are available in a variety of sizes.From multi-function new and used activity buses to Type A and Type C school buses, we have everything you need to safely transport passengers to and from school. We offer new, used, leasing and financing options.
Thomas Built Buses
Schetky has earned the highest honor in customer experience by being named a Thomas Platinum Support Dealer. That means we surpassed stringent standards for service excellence, ensuring our customers receive the fastest, most effective and comprehensive support in the industry.
Our Customers’ Benefits:
Reduced costs
Fast and efficient repairs
Timely communication
Unparalleled customer service
Quality And Maintenance
Being in the business for almost 80 years, we’ve gained much experience in delivering safety and comfort to all our customers. All of our new and used school buses for sale are guaranteed to be delivered complete with all your needs and preferences met. Our school buses also come fully equipped with other features and conveniences like wheelchair lifts and air conditioning units.
School Bus Options
We also have many model years and colors to choose from. Schetky caters to various travel and transportation needs, so customers are always satisfied.
If you don’t know yet which school bus would best suit your needs, you cancontact us, and we’d be happy to assist you.
If you’re looking for the right electric school bus for your district, especially if you’re from Oregon,Schetky Bus & Van Sales can help.
We take pride in our products and service, so rest assured that you are getting your money’s worth with whatever you choose.
