Electric buses are changing the public transportation industry around the world. People understand the extraordinary benefits, and they’re getting on board. Â
The profound benefits include positive impacts for you, your organization, the community and the environment.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales sold electric buses to several school districts, including Highline, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Elma and Mary M. Knight.
We are featured on various public transport news platforms nationwide, including Bus Ride Mag, School Transportation News, School Bus Fleet and Park News.
If you’re considering an electric bus for sale and want to make a positive difference for students and the environment, keep reading to explore the key benefits
Why Buying an Electric Bus for Sale Is a Smart Investment
FUEL SAVINGS
In comparison to standard diesel buses, electric buses save a significant amount in fuel costs. Since EVs run purely on electricity, there is no need to fuel up. Instead, the bus just needs to be charged.
Over the lifetime of an electric bus, the American Public Power Association estimates that an owner can save $400,000 in fuel costs.Â
In fact, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, the cost to power an electric vehicle is 2.5 times cheaper than it is to fill up a diesel vehicle.
In addition, electricity prices at public stations are historically stable and may even decrease as EVs become increasingly popular.
Additionally, the cost of the battery technology that powers most electric buses is rapidly declining, especially with advancements in fast charging capabilities, including DC charging.
MAINTENANCE COSTS
Since electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than standard vehicles, maintenance costs are significantly lower.
Advanced Energy estimates that an electric bus saves around $185,000 in maintenance costs over its lifetime compared to a diesel bus.
An electric bus eliminates almost all engine maintenance. Compared to traditional diesel buses, the vehicles have no fluids, no filters and no exhaust system, three of the most common parts needing repairs in traditional buses.
According to the American Public Power Association, the braking systems of electric buses last longer due to a lack of fluids. Even repairs such as oil changes are unnecessary for an electric bus.Â
These lowered costs have been a welcome part of the transition for many buying electric buses for sale, among other EVs.
A Proven Partner in the Transition
Schetky’s recent electric bus deliveries to school districts mark the beginning of what’s possible.Â
Through powerful partnerships with Thomas Built Bus and Proterra, Schetky offers unmatched access to trusted EV technology and seamless integration, from drivetrain to charging systems.
This means districts get proven, reliable solutions backed by decades of expertise.
Highline Public Schools is one of many districts seeing the benefits firsthand. Director of Transportation Devin Denney shared how Schetky made the transition easy:
“The idea of pairing the Proterra drivetrain and charging system with a Thomas conventional bus just made sense to us.”
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
A significant pull for electric buses for sale, especially in recent years, is the gravitation towards green initiatives and zero emissions.
According to reporting by Wired, emissions from transportation make up almost a quarter of total emissions worldwide. While buses in Bogotá, Colombia, make up only 5% of the total number of vehicles in the city, they produce 25% of the city’s carbon emissions and 40% of the nitrogen oxide emissions.Â
Electric buses help minimize total emissions from transportation. Since EVs are powered purely by electricity, these vehicles release little to no emissions.
In turn, they create cleaner air for the community and better overall health for the people in it. In addition, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric buses help minimize climate change worldwide.
Incentives That Make Going Green Easier
For school districts, adding EVs to their fleets allows them to apply for environmental-related government grants and other incentives.
For example, California has a program titled “California’s Hybrid and Zero-emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project,” or HVIP, that grants incentives as high as $235,000 for electric school buses sold within the state.Â
If you are looking at an electric bus for sale in the Golden State, please look into HVIP.
Additionally, the Federal Transit Administration agreed to the Low or No Emission Program, which funds local and state governments to help purchase electric or hybrid public transport buses. In 2019, this project alone awarded almost $85 million in grants.
The fumes from a diesel bus’s exhaust can also create adverse health effects for students who regularly ride the bus to school.
According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, students who ride the bus are more likely to develop respiratory-related diseases than those who don’t.
It can also worsen the effects of already present respiratory diseases, including asthma. Also, exposure to diesel soot from standard buses and ground-level ozone from diesel exhaust has increased cancer risk.
MINIMAL NOISE POLLUTION
It’s no secret that buses are hard to miss on the street. Other than their significant, dominating presence, they tend to be loud enough for a whole neighborhood to hear.Â
However, electric buses are much quieter because they don’t have diesel engines.
Choosing an electric bus benefits those living near a regular bus stop and provide passengers with a more relaxing ride. No exhaust and minimal vibration create a more enjoyable environment, allowing for better conversation between riders.
That electric bus for sale you’re considering would be appreciated by those you’re transporting!
UPDATED TECHNOLOGY
State-of-the-art technology is usually a given for electric buses. Advanced Energy claims that the size and capacity of electric bus batteries provide an opportunity for vehicle-to-grid applications.Â
This technology allows the bus batteries to store energy and act as a spare battery. The vehicle could give and receive power when hooked to a charging station.
In the future, this could work as a method to manage energy demand during peak charging periods and support renewable energy.Â
Remote Monitoring
At Schetky, the electric bus platforms we offer are equipped with new software that allows us to monitor your system remotely. We can see if battery packs are performing at the ideal level, and we can also upgrade the bus’s system to provide preventative maintenance through the online system with the help of certified technicians.
Even after you purchase your electric bus, we can continue providing reliable service to your vehicle and monitor the activity regularly.Â
Our electric bus and van conversions also abide by the strict guidelines and requirements of the chassis manufacturers.Â
We can provide an electric conversion that is curated to your specific operation. Our electric conversion operators include:
- Electric Bus
- Electric Shuttle Bus
- Electric School Bus
- Electric Work Trucks
- Electric Delivery Trucks
- Electric Cargo Trucks
- Electric Refuse Trucks
- Electric Mobility Vans
- Electric Passenger Vans
- And more
EARLY-ADOPTING
That electric bus for sale you’ve been considering could lead you to become an early adopter and a leader for others to follow.
According to the American Public Power Association, buses account for almost half of public transportation usage nationwide. In 2019, 528 fully electric buses took the streets in America, a 29% increase since 2018.Â
California, New York City and Seattle all took pledges to start working towards transitioning all public transit buses to electric. This means by the year 2045, 33% of buses in America are projected to be electric.
Undoubtedly, electric vehicles are the future of public transportation, and with Schetky, you can become one of the early adopters.
What are the top features to look for in an electric bus for sale?
Transit agencies should prioritize features like battery capacity, range, charging time, specifications and passenger capacity when searching for an electric bus for sale. Additionally, consider safety features, warranty options and maintenance support. These aspects ensure you make a well-informed decision that meets your operational needs and enhances environmental sustainability.
Leading the Charge: Schetky’s Role in Electrifying Transportation
David Schetky, co-owner of Schetky Bus & Van Sales, is optimistic about the road ahead as the company continues to lead the way in EV innovation.
“When it comes to electric vehicles, Schetky has been at the forefront of this movement for both school and commercial buses. We’ve got some exciting announcements on the horizon, utilizing our best-in-class electric and alternative fuel partnerships. We’re capable of selling new EV buses and retrofitting fleets to upgrade them with electric drivetrains. Schetky is positioned to offer school districts a turnkey approach to electrifying their fleets. No one else is doing this.”
From operating costs to environmental impact, electric buses deliver long-term value while exceeding expectations in performance and reliability.Â
These are just a few reasons to move forward with the electric bus you’ve been eyeing.
At Schetky Bus & Van Sales, we remain committed to offering a broad selection of best-in-class vehicles, equipped with the latest technologies, to help districts transition smoothly into the future of clean transportation.
A Trusted Partner in a Changing Landscape
As electric vehicles help reach climate goals nationwide, Schetky is here to make that transition easier.Â
We’re actively helping school districts nationwide secure cleaner, cost-effective fleets, backed by our decades of experience, certified technicians and leading manufacturer partnerships.
As America’s longest-established, family-owned bus and van dealer, we’re proud to provide a wide inventory of electric and standard vehicles, supported by reliable service and professional insights.
Reach out to us today to schedule a personalized consultation and discover how we can help you electrify your fleet efficiently, affordably and confidently.