The shift to electric school buses (ESBs) is a vital move towards cleaner air and a healthier future. To help get you started, and ease some of the unknown, this blog will guide you through the crucial initial phase, focusing on foundational planning and a strategic “start small” approach. From navigating financial uncertainty and complexities, to managing logistical hurdles, the transition can be daunting, especially if you are up against the clock in states such as New York that already have mandates in place for 2027 and 2035.
Start by identifying your mandates and goals
Whether you are driven by city or state-mandates, your internal environmental goals, or a combination of both, you need to confirm what your requirements and deadlines are.
Not sure about government requirements? Check out this resource from the U.S. Department of Energy and or contact your energy and or environmental department.
Create your roadmap to success
A fleet electrification plan (FEP) is meant to serve as a comprehensive roadmap and action plan for your journey to electric. It should provide clarity on priorities, role responsibilities, and help you make informed decisions. It also could serve as a reference document for reporting requirements such as NY Education Law 3638, and unlock additional funding support.
FEPs should include:
- Goals and Timelines: Align your district’s vision for electrification with mandated requirements.
- Optimal route analysis: Determine which travel routes are optimal for your ESBs and battery charging needs.
- Utility Capacity: Have a utility assessment done to understand your grid capacity and what (if any) electrical changes will be needed to meet your energy needs along with the cost projections.
- Charging Strategy: Decide on the types and number of chargers required to keep your fleet running.
- Phased Implementation Plan: Outline the steps for acquiring buses and installing charging infrastructure over time.
- Cost projections: Factor the overall cost of electrifying your school bus fleet such as the purchase cost of electric school buses along with equipment and personnel needed for chargers, training, and infrastructure work.
- Funding opportunities: Explore federal, state, local grants, and any other incentives that may be available.
- Workforce development: Determine the training needed for your mechanics, drivers, and operations staff.
You can develop an FEP on your own or with support from a qualified professional. Many resources are available to help districts develop their FEPs and some regions offer funding and access to qualified contractors to assist with the process, such as NYSERDA for NY.
Engage your utility provider
Have a utility assessment done by your utility to determine your grid capacity and what (if any) electrical changes will be needed to meet your energy needs. You also will want to get projected costs for your additional power and charging needs.
Start small before you scale up.
Consider taking a pilot-program approach and begin with electrifying one or two buses depending on your infrastructure and capacity needs. This allows your team to gain hands-on experience with ESB operation and route planning before making a larger transition. There may also be an opportunity to take advantage of available incentives and funding to purchase your first ESBs and obtain technical assistance with your planning.
Sprague’s here to support you through every step of your electrification journey.
Sprague is committed to empowering your transition to fleet electrification with our comprehensive, flexible, and simplified solutions. From fleet management to EV charging stations and depots, we provide everything you need to navigate the complex EV landscape with ease and certainty.
Ready to take the next step? Contact our team today.
Check out our related blog, Driving Towards a Greener Future with Electric School Buses.
