electric bus
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Electric school buses could reshape transportation for kids
Oakland’s school district launched the country’s first fully electric bus fleet, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of transitioning away from diesel-powered transportation.
In short:
- Oakland Unified School District deployed 74 electric buses that can also supply power to the local grid.
- Electric buses reduce pollution, improve air quality and can help mitigate climate change, but infrastructure upgrades are needed.
- Federal and state funds are driving the adoption of electric buses, but grid limitations remain a barrier.
Key quote:
“At this stage, we’re in a transition period that’s about replacing your old buses that are wearing out with the new electric versions. There’s still a lot of capacity on the grid available to do that.”
— Sue Gander, director of the Electric School Bus Initiative.
Why this matters:
Diesel school buses contribute to air pollution and disproportionately harm low-income communities. Electrifying buses not only cuts emissions but also improves public health, especially for children.
Related: School buses get a green boost with $1 billion EPA investment
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Credit: Austin Pacheco/Unsplash
Replacing diesel school buses with electric ones could save money and lives
Switching from diesel to electric school buses in the U.S. could significantly reduce health risks and environmental damage, according to a new study.
In short:
- The study quantifies the benefits of replacing diesel buses with electric ones in terms of health and climate, estimating a per-bus savings of $84,200.
- Benefits are highest in metropolitan areas, where pollution impacts more people, with potential savings reaching $247,600 per bus.
- Despite the higher initial cost of electric buses, the long-term benefits, especially for marginalized communities, outweigh these costs.
Key quote:
“In a dense urban setting where old diesel buses still comprise most school bus fleets, the savings incurred from electrifying these buses outweigh the costs of replacement.”
— Kari Nadeau, professor of climate and population studies and environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Why this matters:
Switching to electric school buses can dramatically reduce air pollution, benefiting public health and the environment. The greatest improvements would be seen in urban and low-income areas, where diesel pollution poses the highest risks.
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Tribal district's leap to electric buses marks a move toward sustainable transport
The Red Lake Band of Chippewa school district adopted electric buses, heralding a new era of eco-conscious school transportation.
In short:
- A Minnesota tribal school district becomes an early beneficiary of the Biden administration's Clean School Bus Program, transitioning to electric buses.
- The electric buses are seen as aligning with the tribe's values of environmental stewardship and as a teaching tool for students.
- Concerns remain about electric vehicles' performance in extreme climates, a challenge for the rural, colder regions where the buses will operate.
Key quote:
“Ultimately, we think this fits with the direction we’re going on sustainability, and the fact that we want to be attuned to clean energy and the natural environment.”
— Tim Lutz, Red Lake School District superintendent
Why this matters:
Electric buses contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike diesel buses, which emit a considerable amount of carbon dioxide—a potent greenhouse gas—electric buses operate on electricity, substantially cutting down the pollutants released into the atmosphere. Expanding electric vehicle access will help improve air quality and mobility in low-income communities plagued by environmental racism.Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Rusian Sitarchuk/Big Stock Photo
China's electric buses lead a global revolution in electric vehicles
China's rapid deployment of electric buses, starting in the 2010s, has transformed its public transportation and set a global benchmark for electric vehicle adoption.
In short:
- China's extensive electric bus network, initiated in the 2010s, now influences global electric vehicle trends.
- The shift from diesel to electric buses in China significantly contributes to reducing urban air pollution and CO2 emissions.
- China's strategy and progress in electric buses offer a model for other countries aiming to transition to greener transportation.
Key quote:
"China has really been at the forefront of success in conversion of all vehicles to electric vehicles, especially buses."
— Heather Thompson, CEO of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.
Why this matters:
China's electric bus revolution is pivotal in the global shift toward sustainable transportation, significantly impacting air quality and carbon emissions. This transformation showcases the potential for large-scale environmental change through policy and innovation. How can your community contribute to or learn from China's approach to electric public transportation?
Related: Expanding electric vehicle access will help improve air quality and mobility in low-income communities plagued by environmental racism.
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Newsletter
Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash
Electric school buses: Why the propane industry is after school buses ditching diesel
Electric school buses are better for kids’ health. The propane industry has other ideas.
Newsletter
Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash
Electric school buses: Why the propane industry is after school buses ditching diesel
Electric school buses are better for kids’ health. The propane industry has other ideas.
Newsletter
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
The US government is awarding $1.7 billion to buy electric and low-emission buses
The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding almost $1.7 billion in grants for buying zero- and low-emission buses, with the money going to transit projects in 46 states and territories.
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