diesel
Electric school buses in Oakland will help stabilize the grid
Startup Zum has launched the U.S.'s largest all-electric school-bus fleet in Oakland, using these buses as grid-supporting batteries to improve both transportation and energy reliability.
In short:
- Zum deployed 74 electric school buses in Oakland, aiming to cut harmful emissions and reduce air pollution.
- The buses use vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology to charge during off-peak hours and discharge power when the grid is stressed.
- Federal and state incentives helped fund the project, but only 2% of U.S. school buses are electric.
Key quote:
"PG&E was able to step up to the challenge and deliver the energy to power these buses — and we were able to do it a year early."
— Patti Poppe, CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric
Why this matters:
Electric school buses reduce emissions and can support the grid when demand spikes, lowering reliance on fossil fuels. However, expanding this model faces hurdles due to high costs and limited infrastructure.
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Newsletter
Electric school buses could reshape transportation for kids
Oakland’s school district launched the country’s first fully electric bus fleet, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of transitioning away from diesel-powered transportation.
In short:
- Oakland Unified School District deployed 74 electric buses that can also supply power to the local grid.
- Electric buses reduce pollution, improve air quality and can help mitigate climate change, but infrastructure upgrades are needed.
- Federal and state funds are driving the adoption of electric buses, but grid limitations remain a barrier.
Key quote:
“At this stage, we’re in a transition period that’s about replacing your old buses that are wearing out with the new electric versions. There’s still a lot of capacity on the grid available to do that.”
— Sue Gander, director of the Electric School Bus Initiative.
Why this matters:
Diesel school buses contribute to air pollution and disproportionately harm low-income communities. Electrifying buses not only cuts emissions but also improves public health, especially for children.
Related: School buses get a green boost with $1 billion EPA investment
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Replacing diesel school buses with electric ones could save money and lives
Switching from diesel to electric school buses in the U.S. could significantly reduce health risks and environmental damage, according to a new study.
In short:
- The study quantifies the benefits of replacing diesel buses with electric ones in terms of health and climate, estimating a per-bus savings of $84,200.
- Benefits are highest in metropolitan areas, where pollution impacts more people, with potential savings reaching $247,600 per bus.
- Despite the higher initial cost of electric buses, the long-term benefits, especially for marginalized communities, outweigh these costs.
Key quote:
“In a dense urban setting where old diesel buses still comprise most school bus fleets, the savings incurred from electrifying these buses outweigh the costs of replacement.”
— Kari Nadeau, professor of climate and population studies and environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Why this matters:
Switching to electric school buses can dramatically reduce air pollution, benefiting public health and the environment. The greatest improvements would be seen in urban and low-income areas, where diesel pollution poses the highest risks.
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Newsletter
Electric school buses: Why the propane industry is after school buses ditching diesel
Electric school buses are better for kids’ health. The propane industry has other ideas.
Newsletter
Classic and prestige cars on a petrol-free planet likely to look to synthetic fuel and electrification
as regulations are brought in across the world to restrict the sale of petrol-powered cars, what does this mean for classic and prestige car lovers and collectors, and what happens if there is no petrol to run them?
Classic and prestige cars on a petrol-free planet likely to look to synthetic fuel and electrification
as regulations are brought in across the world to restrict the sale of petrol-powered cars, what does this mean for classic and prestige car lovers and collectors, and what happens if there is no petrol to run them?
Newsletter
Electric school buses: Why the propane industry is after school buses ditching diesel
Electric school buses are better for kids’ health. The propane industry has other ideas.
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