Superior handling. Traditional school buses can be very challenging to maneuver, largely because of the heavy motor at the front and the variable weight of fuel underneath. Electric buses are built differently, with most of the weight low and centered on the vehicle, which dramatically improves the driving and handling characteristics. Electric school buses can also have a tighter turning radius than a front-engine diesel bus, reducing the challenge of curbs or tight turns through roundabouts.
Better performance. Electric motors provide smooth, consistent, and predictable power. Press the accelerator pedal and the motor responds with instantaneous quiet torque, making entering the flow of traffic safer and easier for drivers. It’s a less jolting ride for drivers and passengers because there is no traditional transmission to wait for shifts. The driver simply taps a button to put the bus in park, neutral, or drive.
Quieter rides. The difference between a diesel and electric school bus in terms of noise and vibrations really can’t be overstated. Electric buses are virtually silent, emitting fewer sounds compared to the roars and cooling fans of their fossil-fueled counterparts. Inside the bus, children don’t need to yell to be heard, making the overall environment a good deal calmer, which makes it easier for drivers to concentrate on the road and could help reduce incidents of bad behavior that require reporting. It’s also easier for drivers to hear what’s happening behind them and engage with students if needed, as Carmen, a driver with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland, explained:
“The kids love it because it’s quiet. The first day when I was driving the bus, I could hear everything the kids were saying. And I told them, ‘You know, now I can catch you when you say something bad!” (Check out Carmen’s guest appearances on Bus Talk here.)
Simplified refueling. For drivers of an electric school bus, “refueling” the bus involves parking it and plugging it in. It takes about 20 minutes to fill a diesel bus tank; if you’re third in line to refuel, you’re stuck there for an hour. Drivers of electric school buses just pull into the depot, park the bus at the charger, plug it in, and leave. No waiting around. No handling of anything covered with diesel fuel. No breathing toxic fumes. Afterward, charging software alerts a driver’s phone about the vehicle’s state of charge, and when it’s complete. Drivers return, unplug and leave. Carmen is also a fan of this aspect of electric buses: “We don’t have to deal with oil, so our hands stay clean. We don’t to put diesel in every day. It’s just better.”
This school year, do something to improve the transportation experience for your students, your community, and your school bus drivers – upgrade to electric.