
The switch to electric school buses (ESBs) offers tremendous health benefits for children and communities, but like any new technology, it comes with a learning curve. Whether your school district is taking its first steps toward electric school bus adoption or already rolling out these eco-friendly vehicles, expert help is just a call or click away. Thanks to the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), school districts can access free, expert guidance to make the transition from diesel to electric as smooth as possible.
“Electric school buses are still a new technology for most school districts. That means there will be some new experiences for district staff who might not be familiar with electricity as a fuel or haven’t established a relationship with the local utility,” says Melody Reis, Moms’ Senior Legislative and Regulatory Policy Manager. “Although districts can—and certainly have—made this transition without assistance, the availability of free, expert support means that no district has to do this alone or start from scratch.”
Tell EPA: Our Children Deserve a Clean Ride to School
This free electric school bus help is available to districts applying for or receiving funding through EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and is especially useful for fleet managers. There are resources to help specifically with the planning and implementation of zero-emission buses and the infrastructure necessary to operate them.
“NREL can help school districts at every stage in the process. Whether they’re getting ready to deploy new buses or just starting to dream about cleaner buses for their district, NREL has resources,” Melody explains. “They can help districts identify what buses and chargers would suit their needs, assist with route planning and safety training, talk districts through how to coordinate effectively with utilities, and even connect them with peers in other districts. It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I hope districts take advantage of it.”
Here’s a breakdown of all the electric school bus help available, including resources, depending on your school district’s stage in the transition process.
For districts considering electric school buses
Check out these introductory webinars, guides, and fact sheets—and share with anyone considering electric school buses:
- Electric School Bus Education Webinars and Handouts
- Quick Start to Electrifying Your School Bus Fleet
- Cold Weather Impacts on Electric School Buses
- Hot Weather Impacts on Electric School Buses
For districts applying for electric school bus funding
The following resources can support school districts determining which vehicles and chargers to apply for based on specific routes, climate, and needs, how to integrate electrics buses into your fleet, and how to coordinate with your electric utility.
- ESB Route Analysis Tool
- ESB Charging Station Planning Form
- School Bus Electrification Center
- EPA Clean School Bus Technical Support Playlist
For districts deploying electric school buses
This four-part webinar series explains electric school bus technology for bus drivers and technicians.
- Part 1: Overview for ESB Operators
- Part 2: Electric School Bus Technology Overview
- Part 3: High-voltage safety considerations (Scheduled for October 1. Register here.)
- Part 4: Information for technicians (Scheduled for November. Registration will be available soon, and interested parties can sign up here to be alerted when it opens.)
For districts planning a full fleet transition
Districts with widespread adoption plans or state-based transition goals can apply for free technical support from the Joint Office through the Clean Bus Planning Award Program.
For all districts
Districts also can speak directly to the Joint Office or to members of other school districts going through the transition to electric school buses.
- Ask specific questions to the Joint Office at cleanschoolbusta@nrel.gov or by filling out this contact form.
- Talk to other school districts on the Electric School Bus Forum.
With this extensive range of electric school bus help, support, and resources, school districts across the country are sure to be well-equipped to overcome any possible challenges in transitioning to electric buses, ensuring a healthier and cleaner ride for their students.