electric vehicles Archives

Top 9 Electric School Bus Manufactures – TrackSchoolBus

Posted on May 2, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

School buses are specifically designed for the role of safe transportation of students to and from school. The design for school buses is based on the safety specifications and regulations stipulated by the authorities.

Hence school buses have evolved into a category different from the normal buses and are built by specific manufacturers.

The current set of stringent rules to reduce environmental pollution and health hazards has led schools into buying buses running on fuels other than diesel. Electric buses are found to be the best alternative to diesel powered vehicles.

Zero emissions reduce environmental pollution. The quiet engines create no noise pollution. There is a large saving on fuel costs. It is expected that by 2030 all schools will have converted their school bus fleet into electric.

Top Electric School Bus Manufacturers

1. Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird Corporation is a public company with Cerberus Capital as majority stakeholder operating since 1932 from Georgia. They produce school buses fueled by diesel, gasoline, propane, CNG along with fully electric buses.

Blue Bird was awarded a grant of US $ 4.5 million in 2016 to develop electric school buses. They produced two models – Type C and Type D – and marketed them in 2018. The power-train has been developed by Adomani and EDI.

School-Transport-Software--Ensure-enhanced-student-safety

The electric buses have a lithium-ion battery of160kwh capacity. The design provides a range of up to 120 miles. Blue Bird offers a seven year warranty on the battery. They also include a charging station that can recharge at a stretch or overnight.

Blue Bird was the first to produce electric school buses in 1994. Over the years, the advances in technology, especially in battery technology has helped in building more efficient electric buses.

2. IC Bus

IC Bus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation. Founded in 2002 the company has its corporate office in Illinois, assembly factory in Oklahoma and parts fabrication unit in Arkansas.

IC introduced their concept Type C electric school bus called ChargE. The bus has a quiet drive-train from Volkswagen and produces no emissions. The ChargE has a range exceeding 120km and the power-train can deliver up to 260kw. This electric bus is set to launch in late 2019.

3. Thomas Built Buses Inc

Thomas Built Buses Inc is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the parent company of Mercedes Benz. Thomas was founded as early as 1916 when it was known as Perley A. Thomas Car Works operates from North Carolina.

Thomas developed ‘Jouley’ a Saf-T-Liner eC2, a Type C electric bus named after joule the unit of energy. This bus has an average range of 100 miles between charging stations.

With additional battery packs, higher ranges can be achieved. It takes 3 hours to recharge a battery capacity of 180kwh.They are powered by batteries from Proterra, a leader in battery management systems for heavy-duty electric vehicles.

Jouley claims zero emissions, exportable power and near-quiet operations. Students will be able to directly plug into the vehicle portals to charge their computers, lap tops and phones. Jouley is expected to go into production in 2019.

4. Collins Bus Corporation

Collins Bus Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of REV Group. Founded in 1967 and operating from Kansas.

They have introduced a Motiv Powered Type A electric school bus in 2018. The buses have a range of 75 miles and a battery capacity of 106kwh. It requires 8 hours to fully charge the battery pack.

The new Type A Electric model is in addition to their existing alternative fuel fleet of school buses powered by propane and CNG.

5. Micro Bird Inc

Micro Bird Inc is a joint venture of Girardin Minibus and Blue Bird. The company is situated in Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1935, Micro Bird introduced a Type A electric powered Micro Bird G5 Electric School Bus in 2017.

With zero-emissions, the G5 offers the cleanest drive-train. The electric bus has no transmission which results in reduced maintenance and service requirements.

6. Starcraft Bus

Starcraft Bus is a division of Forest River Inc., Indiana, and Established in 1997. In 2009, Starcraft in a joint venture with Hino motors (a division of Toyota), developed a prototype of a new Type C vehicle.

But this did not go into production. In 2016, they developed a Type B bus on a Ford chassis to use alternative fuel sources which is presently being manufactured by them.

Forest River, Phoenix Motor cars and Creative Bus Sales have joined together to develop, build and market electric school buses. Phoenix Motorcars supplies electric drive-trains to Forest River for school buses built by them on the Ford chassis. Creative Bus Sales will be the sole representative for vehicle sales and service.

The electric buses powered by electric drive-train technology will have a range of130miles on a single charge. They will be equipped with telematics solutions providing real-time operating information and remote diagnostic techniques. Starcraft electric buses powered by Phoenix will be available in 2019.

7. Lion Electric Company

Previously known as Lion Bus, was renamed in 2017 as a focus towards producing electric vehicles. Lion produces Type C buses. They produce diesel fuel buses and also the fully electric school bus ‘eLion’.

Lion uses composite materials instead of steel for the bus bodies thus minimizing corrosion. Lion manufactures its own chassis, body and battery packs. This allows them to use the best technology keeping manufacturing costs low. Thus they offer their best models at most affordable prices.

The eLion C bus is available in ranges of 50, 75 and 100 miles. Battery packs of 130kwh are used. An on-board single-phase charger is used for charging. The company plans to introduce two more models- eLion A and eLion M.

8. Trans Tech

A division of Transportation Collaborative Inc. operates from New York from 2007. Trans Tech manufactures Type A, fully electric school bus ‘eTrans’ and SST-e. Trans Tech school buses have the longest running ranges. The eSeries are powered by Motiv Power Systems, California and have been in commercial operation since 2014.

The buses are built on Ford E450 chassis. The power-train control system supplied by Motiv is compatible with a wide variety of batteries and chassis. A single battery from a pack can be changed without replacing all the batteries in the pack.

The SST-e model comes with four or five battery packs providing a running range of up to 100 miles. The on-board fast charging technology enables the battery to attain 50% charge in less than an hour and full capacity in 8 hours. The low cost 3 phase charging eliminates the requirement of expensive charging stations.

9. GreenPower Motor Company

Builds electric vehicles. They are into manufacture of Type D buses from 2007. They operate from Canada with their assembly unit at California. GreenPower Synapse 72, introduced in 2017, is a zero-emission Type D school bus.

The basic model has a battery capacity of 100kwh which can be raised to 200kwh depending on charging needs of the bus. The on-board charging system is an added feature.

GreenPower sources its components from global suppliers- drive motors from Siemens, axles from ZF, brakes from Knorr and dash control systems from Parker.

The limiting factor in considering the use of electric school buses is the cost of the bus and charging of batteries. With the continuous improvement and research on battery technology, the prices of batteries can be bought down and solve the charging issues .Cleaner fuels contribute to cleaner parts and a longer engine life.

Manufacturers are hoping to work with bus operators, school authorities, government officials, and utility companies to provide a comprehensive solution encompassing charging infrastructure, vehicle technology and financial support.

10 Reasons Why Eco Friendly School Buses Are Common In USA

Posted on April 8, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

School buses are the main mode of transportation of students to and from school. Approximately half a million buses transport around 25 million students each day of the school year in the USA.

Buses transport an average of 50 students as opposed to a passenger car which on an average transports only 2 students per car. School buses thus save billions of gallons of fuel and a proportionate amount of dollars.

Majority of the buses are fuelled by diesel. Diesel emissions and its effect on health and environment are of major concern around the world.

The environment protection agency (EPA) in US has bought in regulations for bus emissions to reduce pollution in the environment. This in turn has made school authorities look for other viable eco-friendly options.

Reasons why school buses are eco-friendly:

1. Emission Standards By EPA

Diesel emissions are highly toxic and pollute the environment.

Particulate matter includes small solid or liquid particles found suspended in the air. Inhaling this air is hazardous to drivers and students cause breathing problems.

Nitrogen oxide emissions when mixed with moisture and air make tiny particles when inhaled cause bronchitis or heart disease. Carbon monoxide or green-house gas absorbed in large quantities might prove lethal. They replace the oxygen in the red blood cells. Non-methane hydro-carbons produce smog.

To circumvent these hazards to human health and environment, the EPA in conjunction with school bus manufacturers set higher emission level standards.

Schools had to adopt ways to comply with these stringent emission standards for their buses.Using alternative fuel instead of diesel helped in promoting cleaner air and being eco-friendly.

2. Environmental Harm

Emissions from diesel vehicles are harmful to humans, animals, flora and fauna, vegetation and the air in general. Emissions from diesel exhaust cause smog, haze, acid rain and other pollutants in the air.

School buses mainly travel through busy roads, crowded cities, and residential areas and school zones. They make numerous trips, circulating in and out of avenues, exposing many people to the risk of inhaling the fumes.

Large numbers of school buses shifting to alternative fuel will help to reduce these emissions to a zero level. This in turn will leave the environment and the air cleaner. Replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels, reduce use of earth’s natural resources which takes years to replenish.

3. Health Hazard

Breathing in diesel fumes leads to health problems like asthma, allergies and infections. Federal agencies have classified the emissions as a probable carcinogen. The students taking school buses were found to breathe in more particulates than students who used other means of transport.

The air inside the school bus is found to be polluted than the air outside. The air inside is noxious by the frequent opening and closing of the doors. The bus emits pollutants into the air while idling.

Children breathe faster than adults and their lungs are not fully developed. The particles inhaled settle in the airways and cause long term breathing difficulties.

Low sulphur content diesel lowers the emission rate by 85%. Minimal limited exposure to this can be harmful.

This one most important factor has lead to usage of alternative fuel.

4. Alternative Fuel

The most commonly used alternative to diesel is the low-level emission fuel propane. CNG and gasoline are also low-level emission fuels. The current best alternative is Electric buses.

Since 2006 when EPA lowered emission levels, a good percentage of school buses started using propane as the fuel. The price of propane as compared to diesel was found to be 5 times cheaper. An excise tax rebate of 50 cents per gallon is applicable on propane. The fuel cost reduced considerably.

CNG is cheaper and a considered option. CNG operated buses perform in comparison with diesel vehicles with the additional benefit of reduced emissions. Lesser availability and mileage are its drawback. The safety factor in the event of an accident has placed it on the lower rung of options.

Electric buses are expensive to purchase but cheaper to run. They are more efficient than conventional buses. Their drawback is the short driving range and long charging time.

Improved performance, reductions in battery costs and longer driving ranges have currently made electric buses a viable option. A study shows that if all school buses in America are replaced with electric buses, an average emission of 5 million tones of green house gases can be prevented.

5. Economies of Alternative Fuel Buses

The price of a full propane bus is about $4000 more than a diesel bus. But given the long term use of a bus for an average of 15 years there still saving approximately $100,000 in running costs. Long term usage of buses is of primary concern to schools.

Electric buses are expensive to buy, but proves cost effective over the life-time of the bus, Use of electric buses can save fuel and maintenance expenses. Power for these buses can be tapped from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, geo-thermal etc.

Energy efficient and low emissions solutions become viable only over a time period. Initial costs involved being higher, EPA has suggested retrofitting and up-gradation of existing vehicles. Bus manufacturers advocate use of clean diesel which emits 85% less gases. The diesel buses are less expensive, low maintenance and long life machines.

6. Noise Pollution

Buses using alternative fuel have quieter engines. Electric buses are swift and noise free while running. The students inside the bus, while speaking to one another, do not have to shout above the engine sound. Buses while running through residential areas do not pollute or disturb the neighborhood.

7. Idling Pollution

Green-house gases are released by idling vehicles which pollute the air. Idling of school buses is inevitable and happens frequently in traffic jams and at bus-stops. The pollutants and carbon monoxide gases emitted into the air are harmful to the drivers, students and the general public.

A new bus parked next to an idling old bus can also have high levels of diesel exhaust fumes.

Schools should chart bus routes minimizing idle time and avoiding major traffic blocks. They should allow free flow of buses from the bus parking lot in school where the majority of time is spent idling.

Alternative fuel has helped reduce this considerably.

8. Power Company Assistance

Some of the schools have electric buses to transport their students. Electric buses are about three times more expensive than a conventional bus. This is prohibitive for most of the school districts.

In some towns in USA, schools have purchased buses from the local utility electric company. In summer when the schools are closed, the utility company gets to use the buses. The buses are plugged into the grid and used to store surplus power for use whenever required.

This arrangement benefitted both. The schools saved around one third the cost of the bus and with an additional grant they were able to purchase an electric bus at almost the same price of a conventional diesel bus.

This model is an incentive for the schools to use eco-friendly transport.

9. EPA Assistance

Schools having old buses which do not comply to current emission standards can be retrofitted with newer engines to suit the fuel they propose to use. EPA and some school bus manufacturers jointly provide help to upgrade engines. They assist and offer rebates to schools that cannot afford to change their fleet at one go.

Since electric buses and propane buses are expensive, EPA has suggested use of clean diesel technology. The devices can be refitted with filters or devices to capture diesel particles or direct fired heaters to reduce idling.

10. Go Yellow, Go Green Campaign By NSTA (National School Transportation Authority)

This campaign encourages use of eco-friendly buses. Reducing carbon emissions and usage of fossil fuel is the main aim. It advocates use of cleaner school buses by replacing, retrofitting and idle minimization.

NSTA has instituted an annual award to a leader in the school bus industry to recognize their efforts and commitment to environmental factors. NSTA provides ample help to school bus operators to go green

School buses reduce the number of cars on the roads going up and down to drop and pick children from school. This by itself reduces pollution on the roads. In addition to this, use of non-diesel buses help to reduce the emissions to zero levels resulting in a pollution free environment.

Electric school buses are seen as the future of eco-friendly transportation. Technological developments and citizen awareness of environmental pollution has urged the US to adopt eco friendly policies. By 2030 they expect to have zero emission traffic and cleaner air.

7 Common Misconceptions About Electric School Buses

Posted on January 7, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Electric school buses are very helpful in promoting a student fraternity that is much healthier. Unlike the diesel counterparts, they do not pollute the air.

Diesel school buses release extremely harmful gases into the atmosphere through the exhaust. Additionally, electric school buses present an affordable option and school districts may be able to offset their initial investment because of the operational benefits provided by them over the longer term.

The revolution is definitely underway, but it is slower in becoming popular because of the myths associated with electric school buses. Here are the 7 common misconceptions about electric school buses.

1. Electric Buses Are Expensive

Electric buses cost more than vehicles that run on conventional fuels. However, if you consider the total cost of owning an electric vehicle, they will be cheaper in the long run.

The main reason for higher costs is the batteries. The battery costs are plummeting and sooner than expected they will be cheaper than conventional fuel vehicles.

Further, the affordability of the electric bus improves as production increases due to demand. The economy of scale is what will bring down costs.

In the UK, a one-time premium is provided for buyers of electric vehicles. In the US, tax credits are extended to electric vehicle owners. Many states also offer additional subsidies. All these contribute to making electric vehicles more affordable.

2. Takes Long to Charge the Battery

The electric vehicle technology is improving continuously. The time required to charge is continuing to fall rapidly. Now, it has come down to a range of 6 to 10 hours. Ideally, batteries can be charged overnight. Batteries that are not fully depleted get charged much faster.

DC fast charging stations will be of great help for electric vehicles that need to be topped up on the go. They can be charged to their 80 percent capacity level in just about 20 minutes.

The number of fast charging public stations is on the rise. Tesla has also come out with superchargers which have the ability to increase the range between charges.

3. Power and Efficiency of Electric Vehicles Are Less

This is one of the most common misconceptions about electric vehicles. It is commonly believed that they are less efficient compared to internal combustion engines.

According to experts, electric vehicles convert nearly 59 to 62 percent of the electrical energy drawn from the grid into power at the vehicle’s wheels.

This is because the efficiency of an electric motor which ranges between 85 and 90 percent and 80 percent when the energy required recharging is taken into account. On the other hand, conventional fuel vehicles convert just about 17 to 21 percent of the energy that is stored in the fuel.

The efficiency of internal combustion engines is limited by the thermodynamic effect.

Moreover, electric motors make use of fixed-ratio gearboxes and do not have a clutch. Many electric vehicles come with motors that offer high acceleration compared to those that use fossil fuels.

It is also possible to use a “direct motor-to-wheel configuration” for electric vehicles and this helps to increase the available power. As electric vehicles are not fitted with a differential, an axle, or a transmission, their drive-train inertia is lower.

4. Driving Range of Electric Buses Is Less

The driving range of electric school buses is measured on the basis of the distance covered by them until their battery reaches the zero-charge state.

Typically, an electric bus covers 96 miles per day. If school districts want to increase the range, it can be achieved by adding another battery pack. This enables the driving range to be increased and ensure a safe, quiet, and emission-free ride to and from school for students.

According to the American School Bus Council, a conventional fuel school bus travels a distance of 12,000 miles, on average, in a year.

Assuming 190 school working days in a year, a school bus has to cover a distance of 63 miles in a day. This means that the driving range of an electric school bus is more than sufficient to fulfill the daily driving needs.

5. Operating Costs of Electric School Buses Are High

The best aspect about an electric bus is that it enables the users to save some money. One of the key benefits is the need to use fossil fuel is eliminated.

Further, electric vehicles do not require oil changes. Other maintenance costs associated with fossil fuel-powered school buses are also eliminated.

The maintenance costs of electric vehicles are expected to fall further over the next few years because of technological improvements.

Studies show that substantial savings in operating costs can be achieved by changing over to an electric school bus fleet.

Electric buses provide a whopping 82 percent reduction in fuel costs and a massive 75 percent decrease in maintenance costs per year.

In spite of the fact that the electric school buses cost at least double that of diesel-run buses, school districts can hope to save as much as $2,000 and $4,400 on fuel and maintenance costs, respectively, in a year.

6. The Batteries of Electric Vehicles Are Not Good

The evolution of the batteries is taking place at a very fast pace. It is generally believed that the batteries of electric vehicles have the same lifespan as car batteries.

However, new research shows that the lifespan of the batteries of electric vehicles is significantly longer. It is because of this reason that many manufacturers are offering up to 10 years warranty for electric vehicle batteries.

According to modest estimates, the effectiveness of the electric vehicle battery reduces only by about 15 to 25 percent. Electric-powered school buses are provided with a battery of 160 kWh rating.

It takes a charging time of eight hours. However, the fact that the battery receives 19.2 kW of charge when it runs for an hour has to be taken into account.

7. Electric Vehicles Are Not More Beneficial To the Environment

One of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution is the transportation sector. Replacing vehicles that use fossil fuel with electric vehicles can significantly reduce the greenhouse effect.

On the basis of source of electricity, the plans of the state or community to shift to renewable sources of energy, and the type of vehicle, the production of carbon dioxide from powering an electric vehicle from the grid is less than that produced when using conventional fuels to power vehicles. Charging of an electric vehicle from a renewable energy source produces nearly zero emissions.

In addition to the environmental benefits, a reduction in the use of conventional vehicles helps to improve the quality of air in urban areas and reduces traffic noise.

Final Thoughts

We hope that most of the misconceptions about electric vehicles have been clarified through this post. As can be seen from the above, changing over to operating an electric school bus fleet provides a lot of benefits to all concerned.

How Electric School Buses Can Save Millions for School Districts

Posted on September 24, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

Thanks to modern technology fueled by advancements in batteries, electric school buses have transformed into new-age school transportation options.

Poised to offer a plethora of advantages to all the school districts patronizing electric school buses, this blog sheds light on the monetary benefits by comparing the costs with their benefits.

Enlisting all the ways in which electric school buses can pave the way for long-term cost savings amounting to millions of dollars, here is a detailed cost-benefit analysis concerning these modernized means of school transportation.

It Is All About The Charging Advantage

An electric school bus demands an initial investment of about $225,000. Notwithstanding the fact that this is indeed a huge amount that school districts have to make room for, they can, at the same time avail the advantage of charging these buses during nights.

Since the demand for electricity is low during nighttimes, school districts can potentially save a lot of money under the heads of maintenance and operational costs amounting to $12,000 for every electric school bus. Consider this saving for an entire fleet and the amount will reach millions of dollars.

Software Solutions Can Come As Money-Saving Options

As most of the school districts normally battle with tight budgets, they were on the lookout for alternative means to save monies. This led to the use of state-of-the-art software solutions that could suggest the best possible school bus routes.

While helping school districts to come up with optimized school trips, electric school buses also prompted certain schools to tread the 4-day week instead of a 5-day week to bring down both utility and transportation costs.

The previous versions of electric school buses are also delivering cost-effectiveness coming from the implementation of traditional technologies. It is through this feature that local governments which are facing a tight cash crunch can register potential savings running into huge sums.

Unleash the Power of Alternative Sources of Energy To Fund Other Requirements

School districts which are currently patronizing electric school buses are poised to employ alternative sources of energy that comes in the form of solar panels.

Through these cost-effective and environmental-friendly options, school districts can register some additional savings. These savings can thus be rerouted as investments into school repair funds, paying the salaries of teachers or even to upgrade schooling technologies.

Vehicle-To-Grid Can Earn You Monetary Incentives

The cost-effectiveness of electric school buses comes to the fore when they are allowed to discharge their unused battery power into the electrical grid.

Tagged as the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, this is a novel option that can be availed by school districts. When electric school buses of school districts are permitted to empty their unused battery power into the electricity grid, they will get paid for such a service which run into millions of dollars.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Electric and Diesel-Powered School Buses

You need to invest $110,000 in a diesel school bus while an electric school bus supporting the V2G technology comes with a $260,000 price tag. This price is inclusive of the 70 kW on-board charger that the electric school bus is meant to use.

When you add up all the costs that you need to incur to manage a fleet of diesel buses including the cost of diesel, you will notice that diesel buses are far more expensive when compared to electric buses.

School districts while battling the poisonous emissions of diesel buses are also expected to spend on medical facilities for the society.

On the flipside, all those electric buses supporting the V2G technology will have to meet the battery charging expenditure along with the initial investment.

And this one-time investment will eventually pave the way for profits coming from non-emission means of school transportation.

A report suggests that Chicago, one of the largest cities of US is tapping the low fuel and operational costs of electric school buses to save a whopping $25,000 as annual fuel costs per bus.

Supporting the fact that electric school buses will start adding savings faster, a declaration coming from The American School Bus Council cites that a whopping $3.2 billion per annum is spent on diesel.

And with the replacement of diesel school buses with 1,000 electric buses, the US will register profits by not paying for 500 barrels of diesel every single day.

The Metrics of Per-Seat Savings of Electric School Buses

Numbers suggests that an electric bus through its V2G technology will be able to save $6,070 per bus seat. Multiply these savings with the 14-year lifespan of an electric bus and you will arrive at a colossal amount of $230,000.

This is for one single electric bus and the number will exponentially increase once you consider a fleet of electric school buses. If you are speaking about the dollars that need to be spent on climatic changes and medical expenses, every electric school bus seat could lead to a savings of $5,700.

The Future Is Bright for The Patronage of Electric School Buses

It is an important pointer to note that the total cost of maintaining a fleet of electric school buses for their entire lifespan is very less when compared to the diesel-powered school buses.

This positive, when teamed with the fall in battery costs, is all set to promote the sale of electric buses without any subsidy. This will lead to the scenario when an electric bus will become an economical means of school transportation when compared to diesel school buses by the mid-2020.

Research indicates that by 2030, batteries will account for a meager 8% of the total cost of an electric school bus which can be easily bought at an unsubsidized price.

And if battery costs fall further, the cost of acquiring an electric school bus will be on par with that of a diesel-powered school bus, by 2025. That means you can now have the cake and eat it too. An electric school bus which is environment-friendly is also made affordable to school districts.

The Basic Engineering of an Electric School Bus Can Also Lead to Savings

Electric school bus parts are limited in number when compared to the numerous components that are fitted to a diesel-powered school bus. That means, for an electric bus to be set into motion, there will be fewer moving parts which need to be maintained and overhauled.

This limited number of parts which make up an electric school bus can become another strong reason for cost savings to school districts if you consider their maintenance costs with every passing academic year.

Schools Can Capitalize on Federal Funding Schemes

You also need to keep in mind that most of the local transit authorities in the US are funded by schemes run by the federal government. In this situation, most of the school bus purchasers began scouting for external funds that could support their transportation costs.

That was when electric school buses came in as the low-cost alternatives for schools to benefit from federal funding. In the event that federal funding is stalled, school districts patronizing electric school buses stand to gain with the quick and steep drop in battery prices.

Conclusion

With so much being spoken about the advantages of electric school buses as an environment-friendly and cost-effective option, the above pointers bring about the affordability of these non-emission school buses.

School districts who operate with a sense of farsightedness can be at the receiving end of a number of monetary benefits that these electric school buses offer.

So it is time for schools in different parts of the globe to tread the path of cost-effectiveness and health-consciousness. And once these two objectives are met, you will be in a position to promote the growth of a healthy and tech-savvy society.

12 Common Questions on Electric School Buses

Posted on September 17, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

All set to promote a healthier student fraternity, ‘all-electric’ school buses promise cleaner air to inhale when compared totheir diesel counterparts which release harmful exhausts into the atmosphere.

Additionally, electric school buses are affordable options too when school districts can offset the initial investment with their long-term operational benefits.

In an attempt to highlight the advantages of signing up for a fleet of electric school buses to school districts and to the environment at large, here are certain questions accompanied with their answers.

1. What is the range of distance that can be covered by an electric school bus?

A:The efficiency of electric school buses can be measured in terms of the distance they can cover until they reach a zero-charge state. Normally, an electric bus comes with a range of 96 miles per day.

A prominent automobile company Daimler introduced a high-tech electric school bus that can cover a distance of 100 miles while transporting a maximum of 81 kids.

In the event school districts are looking to add more range, there is a provision to add another pack of batteries so that an extended range along with a safe, emission-free and quiet ride can be promised to students.

Blue Bird electric school buses promise a range of 120 miles after a single and full battery charge.

2. What are the types of batteries that can promise 3,000 completely recharged cycles?

A: Xalt Energy batteries are certified to hold up to 3,000 complete recharge cycles. A full cycle is the one that is initiated from a completely drained-out battery until it registers a fully-charged state.

3. What are the technical specifications with regard to wattage and the charging of batteries?

A: Electric-powered school buses market is equipped with a 160 kWh battery which requires up to 8 hours of charging time. It should be noted that this battery gets back 19.2 kW of charge with every hour of running time.

4. What is the durability of electric school bus batteries?

A: Given that the school calendar adds up to 190 working days, electric school bus batteries take about 10 years for them to completely depreciate.

The good news here is that even after the battery degradation process starts, school districts can still expect them to run with a 70%-80% on-road efficiency.

5. Are there any training facilities that are offered by electric school bus manufacturers so that school bus drivers can extract the maximum benefit of batteries?

A: Since electric school buses employ novel technologies, getting to know about training opportunities is a matter of concern for school districts.

In line with this common need, electric school bus manufacturer that offers video assistance comes in the form of training modules.

While one video series imparts training, there is another video series that teaches bus drivers the best practices that will guarantee the maximum efficiency of batteries and a good driving range.

6. What about the warranties that are in favor of electric school buses so that they run smoothly on roads at all times?

A: In an attempt to lend a helping hand to all the school districts which have signed up for electric school buses, there are many dealers that offer after-sales support. They also offer warranties so that these modern school buses run efficiently and smoothly on city roads.

7. What is the initial cost of installing a charging station along with the necessary equipment?

A: Speaking of the budgetary requirements that should be met by school transporters in erecting a charging station, school districts are expected to set aside funds between $600 and $3,000.

This fund can serve the installation of a charging point along with peripherals. It is also recommended that schools follow the ‘one-vehicle, one-charger’ ratio so as to not only keep the operational costs low but also to ensure the efficiency of the charging stations. This is the infrastructure cost that should be incurred, keeping in mind the electric fleet.

8. What are the statistics that vouch for the prominence of electric buses?

A: The following statisticsvouch for the substantial reduction in the operatingcosts concerninga fleet of electric school buses. Electric buses register a whopping 82% drop in fuel costs alongside promising a massive 75% decline in the annual cost of maintaining a fleet.

Notwithstanding the fact that all-electric school buses come with double the price tags as diesel-run buses, you can save close to $2,000 on fuel costs and $4,400 on maintenance costs, every year.

9. In what way do electric school buses promise a healthier society?

A: Another common question revolves around is the health of students plying in electric school buses. It is a well-known fact that electric school buses do not emit any poisonous gases that impair the respiratory health of students.

Alongside preventing the onset of breathing issues, electric school buses nip off the instances of lung cancer which is caused by the constant ingestion of exhaust fumes.

A report which was published in June 2018 states that electric buses curbed close to 5.3 million tons of polluted emissions into the atmosphere alongside decongesting the city traffic by removing 1 million cars from the roads.

10. In what other creative ways can school districts make the most of these electric school buses during summer breaks?

A: School districts which are operating a fleet of electric school buses can bring in some creativity during the lean periods of summer breaks.

When these batteries are not in use during vacation, they can be used as backup power sources for the electric grid. In this way, school districts can earn some money from the state electric utilities when school bus batteries take on the title of mobile energy storing equipment.

11. What are the striking advantages of operating a fleet of electric school buses?

A: With a number of advancements taking place in the sphere of battery technology, electric school buses are poised to avail many advantages.

Since these buses do not come with an engine that needs to be maintained or instances demanding the change of engine oil, you can enjoy reduced maintenance costs.

These buses promise excellent temperature control by performing to their optimum level, irrespective of the weather conditions. They also ease the traffic congestion on roads.

12. What are the other proponents in favor of electric school buses?

A: School districts can make the most of the steep decline in the battery costs along with constant improvements in their performance.

With these positives in place, a number of states across the US are going in for plug-in buses so as to encourage these zero-emission school buses. An additional advantage also comes in the form of an expanded driving range that these all-electric school buses promise.

Closing Thoughts

If you are able to get appropriate and data-specific answers to the above 25 questions about electric school buses, you are good to go. As a decision maker of a school district contemplating to operate a fleet of electric school buses, you will be proud of your move to support the environment-friendly objectives of your state.

While you can make the most of grant incentives, you will also incur fewer maintenance costs. Additionally, you will be in a strong position to exercise a better temperature control on your electric school bus which lives by the promise of ‘cleaner air for healthier generations’.

Electric Buses – Where Do We Stand Now

Posted on February 9, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

The popularity of electric bus is increasing day by day. Why are they popular? Nevertheless, the highlight of an electric bus is the way they reduce environmental pollution, enhancing the safety and security of citizens. Indeed, it is yet another praiseworthy innovation of technology, which augments the road safety.

Let’s check out the efforts of various countries towards introducing electric buses. First and foremost, have a glimpse of the efforts of Poprad city:

Poprad City Becomes the First Slovakian City to Test Electric Buses

Poprad becomes the first Slovakian city to completely test an electric bus. The highlights of the bus include the following:

Low-floor model and fully propelled by electric power
The Leonis Electric
12 meters long
Had its premiere on October 2017
Result of 2 years effort
Require 4 hrs charging and should operate for 200 km before recharging
Trial operation will remain for 6-12 months

NTU Singapore and Volvo Signs Agreement for Autonomous Electric Buses

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) of Singapore signed the agreement to co-operate on the research and development for the autonomous electric buses. This initiative is a part of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore’s effort to constitute solutions for viable public transport in the future period.

The highlights of the bus include the following:

12m long
Integrated with autonomous driving technologies
GPS and LIDAR technology-based system
Will be launched in the beginning of 2019
OppCharge interface
Render 300kW of charging power in 3-6 minutes

Proterra Electric Bus Launches in Alaska Region

Of course, severe cold weather condition and electric buses are a dreadful combination altogether. Surprisingly, frigid places such as Alaska, Anchorage, etc. are becoming the target for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

Check out the highlights of the bus:

40-foot electric bus
100% electric
Operates on the routes such as 10, 25, and 35
Launches within the next 4 months
Emits zero tailpipe emissions
Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by replacing it with diesel vehicles
Lack combustion engine, which ultimately reduce the rate of noise pollution

India’s Efforts Towards Introducing Electric Buses

The Transport Department of India took the first step towards creating a fleet of low-floor electric buses to enhance the Capital’s public transportation. There will be 2 depots for providing accommodation and charging facilities for 200 electric buses.

Consequently, the 2 locations, which was recognized to provide the charging facilities include East Vinod Nagar and Bawana, since it is facilitated with 11KV sub-stations. However, the first trial version of electric bus ran in the city in March 2016. Furthermore, the bus is having an operating cost of Rs 12 per km, when compared to Rs 18 per km for CNG DTC low-floor bus. As a matter of fact, the Indian transportation officials assured that all the CNG buses will be replaced by electric buses at the earliest.

In conclusion, the electric buses will certainly revolutionize the transportation sector in the future. Several countries as mentioned above have given a genuine effort for introducing the electric buses. This will not only reduce environmental pollution, but also enhance the safety of citizens.

Electric School Buses – Another Big Leap for the World to Go Green

Posted on February 7, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

Is it the dawn of electric vehicles? Can the New York Department of Education enhance environmental sustainability and reduce income unfairness? Yes, it is possible, especially with the coordination of electric school bus workers and the citizens residing in the city.

Nevertheless, it will be brilliant, if the school bus workers operate and own a school bus company with a goal to green the city. For this reason, the city has already organized an electric school bus worker cooperative, which combines elected officials, transportation and environmental advocates.

However, the ownership of the cooperative belongs to the New York City Bus Drivers and obtained funds by creating a contract for the Education Department’s existing school bus routes.

As a matter of fact, a union entitled “Transportation Workers Union Local 100” that represents city bus and train operators, is planning to endow ownership of the school bus company to the workers, with a motive to green the city and reduce the hazardous fuel emission into the atmosphere.

Working of the Cooperative

How the cooperative operates?

The worker cooperative will be operated by a board, which is elected by bus operators. Also, the board has special reservations for parents.

In spite of earning profits for the corporation, the cooperative will also assist to increase the wages by the unified efforts of employees and boost the dignity of the workplace. This will enable the cooperative to render an effortless service and augment the quality of rides for students.

Moreover, the current New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council have already expressed their desire to create worker co-operatives.

Meanwhile, the Department of Small Business Services has already established the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative by receiving 3 million dollars from the City Council for enlightening, supporting, and developing worker cooperative businesses. Hence, it is the right time for committing this initiative.

Objective – Apart from enhancing the labor relations, the electric school bus worker cooperative also enables you to sustain the environment and safeguard the health of New York citizens.

Dominant Reason for Pollution

Diesel buses adversely affect the environment. There is no requirement of scientific journals for recognizing its terrible consequences of running diesel buses, since the fact is apparent in its tailpipe, which emit pernicious and brown soot over the roadways and into our lungs.

The black carbon and nitrogen oxide transmitted from diesel school buses are hazardous for the environment and perturb children, whose lungs are still at a developing stage.

In fact, the New York city is ranked among the top 25 polluted cities for ozone and year-round particle pollution, as per the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report. This indicates there is increased chance for dreadful air days and asthma for New York residents.

Furthermore, it was estimated that 2 million people in the New York area are having asthma, which includes half a million children.

How to Secure Students from Pollution?

Students are transported on outmoded and fume-emitting school buses right from the age of 3 or 4 years. Now, you can imagine how distressing the situation is. Henceforth, this ghastly circumstance will not repeat in the year 2018.

What will be the reason? Today’s hygienic technologies have the capability to reduce pollution and safeguard the health.

Unluckily, New York’s electricity comes from coal and while charging the electric school buses, it will result in pollution, especially due to greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, which induce global warming.

However, the city and state government is planning to modify the energy portfolio by means of wind and solar power, which ultimately reduces the carbon footprint and air pollution emitted to the atmosphere.

Future Programs

Today, the city has an immense opportunity to transform the energy portfolio into a reality. Exclaiming how?

Recently, the Education Department has divulged a request for 1600 bus routes to be operated by transportation companies with a five-year contract. As a result, companies can present their proposals until Feb 22, 2018.

Of course, it is wise to grant these bids to those school bus providers, who declared to operate zero-emission electric vehicles and have a goal of worker empowerment.

As a consequence, a multitude of democrats approached Transport Workers Union (TWU) and environmental advocates for allocating 25 bus routes to electric bus operators. Although 25 is a minor part of 1,600, but it can eventually pave the way to an admirable future.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, by unnecessarily burning oils, you are ruining the environment. Therefore, it is wise to invest in vehicles that is environment-friendly and thus prioritize the safety of citizens above everything.

In the meantime, the aforementioned pilot program will certainly provide an immense assistance to accomplish the commitment of the Bill de Blasio administration to defend climate change and empowering employees.