NY's Electric School Bus Program - Charged Up and Ready to Roll

By: TomJune 30, 2024

NY's Electric School Bus Initiative

On May 31, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced just under 96 Million in funding to bring over 350 clean, electric powered school buses to 47 communities across NY State. The announcement was made in Buffalo NY where 25 of these vehicles will be delivered in the coming year. This landmark announcement was part of by-partisan effort to lower statewide transportation emissions. Implementation of this plan will help jump start Governor Kathy Hochul's electric school bus mandate. This mandate states that all new school bus purchases must be zero emissions by 2027. By 2035, all NY school buses in operation must be powered by electricity. 

Electric School Bus Bennefits

child-by-electric-school-bus

    No Tailpipe Emissions

    Electric school buses have no tailpipe emissions - This creates a safer environment for students, drivers and the communities they serve. Diesel school buses emit toxins like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). While idling, immersions can enter the bus cabin; effecting both passengers and drivers. These airborne pollutants can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Long term exposure can also exacerbate respiratory conditions and cause serious damage to the lungs. The most troubling aspect is that those most vulnerable to these dangerous emissions are infants, children and teens. Young children have a faster breathing rate than adults and their lungs are not fully developed. Switching over to electric buses will help safeguard students from unnecessary health risks.

    Lower Greenhouse Gases

    Lower Greenhouse Gases - Greenhouse gasses trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. While electric school buses run clean, the power that drives them typically does not. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most common greenhouse gas. Approximately 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions result from electricity production, transmission and distribution. Burning fossil fuels is the primary culprit responsible for these airborne pollutants.
If transitioning to electric vehicles is to have a major impact on the reduction of greenhouse gasses, alternative means of production must be implemented. Cleaner methods include solar, hydro turbines, and wind turbines. New York State continues to set standards for renewable grid energy. New York’s grid is on course to be achieve 70% renewably sourced grid electricity by 2030. The state has also set a goal for a zero-emission electric system by 2040. A similar nationwide effort is needed as a long term solution.

Save Money Partnering with Local Utility Companies

Electric school buses travel short distances to pick up and bring home school age children. These vehicles typically sit idle during the remainder of the day. This consistent duty cycle is a great fit for charging and recharging. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for school districts to partner with local utility companies utilizing vehicle to grid technology. V2G allows battery stored electricity to be discharged back to the grid while buses are not in use. in return, school districts receive credits that are deducted from their monthly energy bill. The process can also help to stabilize our electricity infrastructure during peak energy periods. GreenerHouseholds.com reached out to the EPA to inquire as to available funding for V2G implementation. EPA representative, Serina Morales, confirmed there are no current plans to offer further incentive for V2G technology. However, she did acknowledge applicants are eligible to utilize this technology, and was ware of participants using V2G in previous funding rounds.  

Challenges to Electric School Buses 

Updating infrastructure

installing charging station for electric buses
    Before deployment of electric school buses, school districts and third parties need to install charging infrastructure in and around the area that school buses will serve. For example, buses serving the Bronx would have infrastructure installed in the Bronx. Typically, recipients of funding awards utilize Level 3 DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) or Level 2 (L2) chargers. Applicants work with their local utility company to determine which charger may be best for their existing electrical infrastructure.

    Level 2 chargers provide AC electricity that is changed to DC electricity via a converter within the electric bus battery. Level 2 Chargers are able to replenish 12 - 80 miles of range per hour. While these chargers are a step up from basic Level 1 units, Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient.

    Level 3 DC fast chargers convert AC electricity to DC within the charging unit. This provides a direct flow of DC energy to the EV battery; greatly increasing efficiency. DC fast chargers can replenish an EV battery at a rate of 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. While there is some belief fast charging my reduce battery life, there is little existing evidence to support this claim.
children boarding school bus in winter

    Cold Weather Effects on Electric Buses

    Northern regions with colder winters like NY,  present challenges for electric school buses. In order to perform optimally, EV batteries must be kept warm. Otherwise, the battery’s ability to store and release electricity can be slowed down; affecting overall efficiency. However, the recent introduction of battery thermal management systems (BTMS) has greatly enhanced battery performance. A BTMS works by utilizing cooling and heating systems to maintain a consistent tolerable temperature range. This ensures efficient operation and safety on clod winter days.

    Another issue that has greater bearing on power usage and battery range is the eclectic school bus HVAC system. While diesel powered buses can simply draw excess heat from the engine, electric buses must consume additional electricity from their batteries to warm the vehicle during periods of colder weather. This extra energy usage can reduce mileage range capabilities.
During cold stretches, preconditioning  the EV battery can increase overall performance. Preconditioning warms the temperature to a range suited to maximizing performance. Manufacturers also recommend keeping these vehicles plugged in when not in use. It is important to note this does not imply continuously charging the battery. Overcharging can actually be detrimental to the battery. However, being plugged in without charging allows internal system controls to regulate battery temperature. This contributes to longer battery life and performance.

Conclusion:

NY's ambitious environmental initiatives have earned the state the #3 spot in a recent state sustainability ranking. Transitioning to cleaner, eco-friendly electric school buses further emphasizes NY's commitment to a greener future. While challenges still remain, the outlook is bright in the empire state!
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