School bus rides are getting greener, but in some cases more expensive

As students across the United States return to classrooms, their transportation may soon be getting cleaner. School districts nationwide are exploring the adoption of electric school buses, a move that promises environmental benefits but has come with some financial challenges.

This year, a district in California is set to unveil the first all-electric fleet of school buses in the nation, marking a significant milestone in the transition to cleaner energy. The shift is part of a broader trend, with states like New Jersey and Georgia securing millions of dollars in federal grants to electrify their school bus fleets.

However, the transition to electric buses has not been without its hurdles. The high upfront cost of electric vehicles (EVs) is a major concern for many school districts. These buses, while environmentally friendly, require substantial investments that some districts find difficult to justify or sustain.

Maryland’s largest school district announced plans in 2022 to introduce over 300 new electric buses. The district projected that the shift would cut fuel costs by 50%, a promising incentive given the rising costs of traditional fuels. However, the nearly $170 million investment has faced significant setbacks.

Dozens of the ordered buses were delivered behind schedule, and those that did arrive were quickly beset with mechanical and charging issues. On average, it took two weeks to resolve these problems, leading to operational disruptions.

With buses arriving late and requiring lengthy repairs, the district was forced to find alternative transportation solutions, ultimately deciding to spend almost $15 million more to purchase 90 diesel school buses.