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Why electric buses
Kids who ride an electric bus get a cleaner, quieter, and healthier commute, while school districts save money on fuel and maintenance. New electric buses are going to be rolling into towns across the state. We want every community to benefit from cleaner air and healthier rides to school.
Each day in New Mexico, more than 160,000 schoolchildren hop on a diesel school bus. Collectively they travel tens of millions of miles per year! That’s a lot of time breathing diesel exhaust fumes for our kids and bus drivers.
Health impacts of diesel exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a toxic mixture of gases and particulates, including 40 known carcinogens. It is linked to numerous negative impacts on children’s health and learning. Diesel buses mean:
Asthma attacks: Diesel exhaust is a known trigger for asthma attacks and other respiratory inflammation and irritation. According to the most recent data from the American Lung Association State of the Air Report, there are 32,242 cases of pediatric asthma and 162,999 cases of adult asthma in New Mexico.
Poor learning conditions: Diesel fumes are associated with headaches, nausea, poor concentration, impaired cognitive performance, and behavioral problems, making it difficult for students to learn. Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism. A recent study estimates that transitioning to clean school buses across the country would lead to more than 1.3 million additional student days of attendance per typical school year.
Benefits of clean electric buses
Quiet and peaceful journey: Students and drivers enjoy a quiet and smooth ride, thanks to reduced vibration and noise. Kids arrive at school calmer and ready to start the day because they don’t have to shout to hear each other on the bus.
Productive learning: Kids who ride an emissions-free electric bus can benefit from improved cognitive function and fewer school days missed. Plus, electric school buses themselves are opportunities for students to see science, technology, engineering, and math lessons in real time.
Reduced maintenance and fuel costs: Compared to diesel buses, electric ones require less maintenance over their lifetime, saving dollars that can be better spent in the classroom. The regenerative braking system results in less wear, and there is no need for engine or exhaust system maintenance. Given the cost of electricity and fuel, electric school buses are more economical to run.
Healthier environment: Zero-emission buses mean cleaner air for the whole community. According to a 2023 report from the American Lung Association, transitioning to electric vehicles and non-combustible power by 2035 could save New Mexico $2.1 billion in public health benefits by 2050. We could avoid 22,700 lost workdays and 5,210 asthma attacks.
Reliable energy grid: Electric buses can also support New Mexico’s clean energy goals. Because school buses are on predictable schedules and are parked over 75% of the year, many utilities are partnering with schools to feed power back to the grid when the buses are not transporting students. Innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-building (V2B) technology pilot programs are assessing the potential for buses to serve as battery storage and power for school buildings.
Our kids deserve the best
All kids deserve a clean, healthy ride to and from school. New Mexico has 2,000 diesel buses in operation across the state.
Currently, the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) is accepting applications for the Community Benefits Fund, a $60 million allocation for school districts to invest in electric vehicle infrastructure, including transitioning diesel buses to electric.
The application period is open from September 1 to October 15, 2025, and applicants will be notified of awards on November 1, 2025.
The application is quick and straightforward. Access the application and additional information today.
Electric school buses are good for public health, our communities, and a clean transportation system. New Mexico can be in the driver’s seat when it comes to protecting our children’s health from diesel pollution. Let’s get rolling toward clean energy now!
Learn more about Moms’ work on electric school buses.
Released: August 2025