Transitioning to Electric School Buses: Where to Start and Who Can Help
Is your district looking to switch to electric vehicles? School Bus Logistics and our partner Microgrid Labs can help simplify the transition with planning, procurement, and implementation tailored to your district.
The push to convert the nation’s diesel bus fleet to electric is gaining momentum, driven by new state and federal policies aimed at producing more clean-energy vehicles. In March, The Environmental Protection Agency issued the final version of a new rule that sets higher fuel efficiency standards for manufacturers producing school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles.
This new rule will go into effect in 2027 and will lead to 40 percent of school bus production being electric by 2032, according to the EPA’s regulatory impact analysis of the rule. Several states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Washington, have statutory commitments requiring that 100% of new school bus purchases be zero-emission by 2027.
Diesel currently powers more than 90 percent of school buses in the U.S., and its exhaust is linked to serious health and developmental conditions, particularly affecting young children. However, making the transition can be difficult for districts to pull off. It requires more than purchasing some new vehicles but also overhauling budget, logistics, and technology.
How do districts make a seamless transition to electric fleets that meet these new demands while continuing to serve their communities effectively? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Optimize Your Routes First
Before investing in electric vehicles (EVs), it’s essential that your transportation department runs the most efficient routes possible. Unlike traditional buses, EVs are more affected by external factors like temperature and altitude, so having precise, optimized routes is crucial.
School Bus Logistics (SBL) helps school districts across the country create efficient bus stops and routes to reduce overall costs. Route optimization means having a clear understanding of your routes' length and time, as well as the opportunity to combine and streamline routes — a solution that also helps address driver shortages.
Read our case study on Kaneland School District to see how we maximized efficiency and minimized costs for their department.
2. Plan for Infrastructure Changes
Once your routes are optimized, the next step is to evaluate your infrastructure needs to bring electric buses to your facilities. This step involves assessing electric-bus feasibility, designing a charging system, and understanding your district’s specific needs.
That’s where our partner, Microgrid Labs, comes in. They offer EVopt, an advanced-energy modeling platform that assists districts in minimizing costs, ensuring smooth operations, and reducing risks throughout their EV transition. Microgrid Labs takes a comprehensive approach to fleet electrification by jointly modeling both transportation and energy. Their process covers:
Feasibility and Charging Design: Understand which routes are ideal for electrification, battery sizes, and bus options.
Charging Needs Assessment: Clarify power requirements, liaise with utility providers or contractors, and explore charging strategies.
Budget Planning and Grants: Guide grant and rebate applications, reduce capital costs through right-sizing, and solidify your budget.
Simplified Procurement: Assist with procurement requirements and vendor discussions.
Workforce Training: Pinpoint training needs and optimal implementation timing. Bullying
Partnering for Success
Together, SBL and Microgrid Labs offer comprehensive support to help districts transition to electric bus fleets in a cost-effective, sustainable way. From route optimization to infrastructure planning and beyond, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to take the first step toward electrifying your school bus fleet? Contact us today to see how we can support your district's move to a greener future.