7 Ways to Prepare Your Electric Bus Fleet for Winter
Winter weather and chillier temperatures have arrived. For school districts and transportation departments, that means colder operating conditions and longer periods of idle time for buses during holiday breaks.
Winter poses a few unique challenges for schools with electric vehicles in their fleet.. Icy roads, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable weather patterns can all impact school bus operations. Preparation is key to ensuring buses stay running and students are transported safely. There are things you can do to mitigate the impacts of cold weather on electric school bus fleet operations. We’ve detailed some actionable strategies to help you prepare for such conditions.
1. Prioritize Winter Maintenance & Fleet Preparation
Preventative maintenance is critical before winter weather hits. If possible, ensure every school bus undergoes an inspection, focusing on batteries, brakes, and tires. Cold weather can drain batteries faster, so testing and replacing old batteries is crucial.
For winter weather preparedness, equipping buses with winter tires ensures better traction on icy roads. In more extreme weather conditions involving steeper grades, installing chains can add additional grip and stability.
In South Dakota, Garretson School District operates electric school buses that perform reliably even in below-zero temperatures. The district’s three electric buses can travel up to 125 miles in optimal conditions, and their longest route is 47 miles. Range and efficiency reductions that tend to occur due to cold temperatures have not impacted Garretson’s bus routes so far.
2. Utilize Pre-Heating Systems
Cold internal combustion engines sometimes struggle to start, and delays can disrupt entire routes. Installing block heaters or auxiliary pre-heating systems can keep engines warm, reducing wear and tear while improving reliability.
Morris, Minnesota, has adopted several new electric school buses. On the coldest mornings, these vehicles are pre-warmed while still plugged into the grid. This conserves battery power for on-route needs. With current state and federal grants, schools throughout Minnesota plan to add 22 additional electric school buses to their fleets statewide.
3. Adapt to Winter Fuel Needs
Diesel fuel can gel in freezing temperatures, causing clogged fuel lines and stalling engines. Switching to a winter blend diesel, which contains additives, can prevent gelling. Storing fuel in temperature-controlled tanks further minimizes this risk.
For electric school buses, a common concern is that batteries will fail in harsh winter conditions. Morris, Minnesota’s electric school buses are an excellent example here: despite sub-zero temperatures, range for their electric fleet only decreases by 10-15 percent, which means they can continue to operate in some of the harshest conditions.
4. Train Drivers for Winter Safety
Ultimately, bus drivers are the first line of defense against winter hazards. Comprehensive training can prepare drivers to handle icy roads, low visibility, and emergency situations. Drivers should practice defensive driving, slow braking techniques, and emergency maneuvers.
5. Implement Real-Time Monitoring
Weather and road conditions can worsen rapidly during the winter, creating slick, unsafe driving conditions. Real-time GPS systems allow transportation departments to track buses and respond to issues promptly. Additionally, onboard cameras can help monitor road conditions and improve incident reporting.
The Clarence Central School District in New York uses the “My Ride K-12” GPS system to keep parents and staff updated on bus schedules. This system helps drivers avoid uncleared roads during snowstorms and reroute when necessary. The district’s software also provides real-time updates to both parents and educators in the event of route changes or emergencies.
6. Purchase Emergency Kits
School bus route safety goes beyond just monitoring. In the event of an emergency or broken down vehicle, emergency preparedness starts with the bus driver. Equipping every bus with a winter emergency kit, including blankets, flashlights, and a first aid kit, can ensure better outcomes in the event of an emergency. These items are essential if a driver becomes stranded and needs to wait for help to arrive. Drivers should familiarize themselves with a list of standardized emergency contacts and procedures.
7. Consider Upgrading to Electric School Buses
Electric school buses (ESBs) are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in colder climates. Unlike diesel buses, which can struggle to start in freezing temperatures, ESBs reliably start and offer enhanced stability due to their low center of gravity.
Preparing a school bus fleet for winter requires foresight, planning, and investment in the right tools and training. From regular maintenance and driver training to adopting newer technology like GPS monitoring and electric buses, these measures ensure a safer and more reliable transportation system for students during some of the harshest weather conditions of the school year.
By adapting best practices to fit their unique needs, districts can confidently face cold weather challenges, while keeping students safe and schools operational.
