NYers Doubt Benefits of Electric School Buses
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New York’s plan to electrify its entire school bus fleet by 2035 has prompted skepticism and misinformation despite research highlighting the environmental and health benefits of such a move. Although the cold weather impact on electric buses operation is a concern, solutions such as pre-heating vehicles, using regenerative braking to recharge batteries, and alternative driving techniques have been suggested by Sue Gander, electric school bus initiative director at the World Resources Institute. However, certain challenges exist, such as the Trump administration ending tax credits for purchasing electric buses and the current cost gap of around $150,000 compared to diesel buses, though $500 million has been allocated for the transition in the 2023 Environmental Bond Act.
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Public Skepticism in New York on Electric School Buses Despite Perks
New Yorkers are yet to fully embrace the move to electric school buses, despite evidence indicating numerous advantages of this type of transportation. The recent statewide push to convert all school buses to electric power by 2035 has left many questioning the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach. However, research from the World Resources Institute indicates that transitioning from diesel buses could bring several benefits, particularly in terms of reducing emissions that are detrimental to children’s health.
Countering Challenges of Electric Buses in Cold Weather
Despite the skepticism, cold weather, which can potentially affect the performance of electric buses, can be mitigated, according to Sue Gander, Electric School Bus Initiative Director at the World Resources Institute. “Things like pre-heating the vehicle so you’re able to have a full charge when it’s time to go,” said Gander. “There are different driving techniques and using things like regenerative braking that recharges the battery while on the road, and making use of that.”
In fact, several states known for their chilly climate have already achieved considerable success with electric buses. For instance, the Newfield Central School District in Tompkins County, New York, noticed a distinct reduction in fuel expenses after adopting electric buses, despite the changeover from diesel vehicles.
Funding Challenges and Opposition to Mandate
However, New York’s efforts to expand the electric bus fleet have hit a roadblock after the Trump administration discontinued the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits for school districts to buy these buses. Further, several legislators, including State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, oppose the mandate, claiming that the pace of the transition is too rapid and could be unsustainable for smaller, rural school districts.
However, the shift towards electric school buses is not set to happen overnight, with the transition officially commencing only in 2027. Gander points out that the cost of purchasing and operating electric school buses is expected to drop as more of these vehicles come into use. She argues that once the cost of owning and operating an electric school bus equals that of a diesel bus, typically after approximately 15 years of use, the transition will reach a significant milestone. However, she acknowledges that despite seeming negligible, the current cost gap of about $150,000 can be burdensome for districts grappling with other financial responsibilities.
Despite the reduction in federal funding for electric school buses, the 2023 Environmental Bond Act has earmarked $500 million to support school districts in their transition to electric vehicles.
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