Accelerating Electrification of School Bus Fleets

This technical report discusses the transition of school districts in the United States towards electrifying their school bus fleets. It outlines the significant benefits of electric school buses, including improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and potential cost savings. The report identifies three main barriers to adoption: cost, complexity, and uncertainty, which hinder many resource-constrained districts from making the switch. It emphasizes the importance of the fleet electrification-as-a-service (FaaS) model, which can help school districts navigate the complexities of policy and funding while minimizing upfront capital expenditures. The report also highlights the role of community advocacy in driving electrification efforts and the potential for electric buses to contribute to grid resiliency through predictable charging patterns. Furthermore, it notes the availability of federal funding, such as the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, which supports the electrification initiative. The document presents a comprehensive view of the current state and future potential of electric school bus adoption across the nation.