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A couple of weeks ago, the Compton Unified School District and Durham School Services announced the unveiling of a new fleet of 25 electric school buses.
Some of the best sustainable transportation stories are the ones about diesel and gas buses being replaced by fully electric ones. Diesel and gas buses generate too much harmful air pollution. Electric school buses do not directly generate any toxic emissions, so they are much better for the health of the student riders and, of course, the bus drivers who drive them for hours and hours every day they are working.
Nearly one million California children have been diagnosed with asthma by 2021, according to this source. In one year, over 72,000 California children visited an emergency room because of asthma.
Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and lung tissue damage. There may be a connection between air pollution exposure and cancer in children. Air pollution exposure may lower intelligence as well. Additionally, using gas and diesel fuel in vehicles produces emissions that contribute to climate change.
For some local background, Compton Unified School District has about 17,000 students. Compton’s overall population is 90,000–95,000. It is around 17 miles south of the city of Los Angeles.
Durham School Services answered some questions about the new school buses for CleanTechnica.
What size are the electric buses? Are some also vans?
17 Thomas Built Type A and 8 Thomas Built Type C vehicles.
Did the electric buses replace diesel buses?
The electric buses will replace a mix of CNG, Diesel and Gasoline vehicles.
What are some of the key benefits for using electric instead of diesel buses?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
- Zero tailpipe pollution — students, drivers, and members of the community will be exposed to significantly less harmful diesel emissions like PM and NOX
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel school buses
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Less brake wear due to regenerative braking and no engine or exhaust system maintenance
- Potential for reduced fuel costs compared to diesel depending on electricity costs
- Quiet, clean operation
- Improved student attendance and academic achievement.
Where will the electric buses recharge?
At the bus depot where the buses are stored overnight.
Are the 25 new buses the first electric buses for the district?
Yes, these 25 new electric school buses are the district’s first EV initiative.
When might you bring the additional 25 electric buses into service?
We are working through the tentative timelines but will be targeting 2026 for the launch of the additional 25 electric school buses.
Does each new electric bus have its own charger?
Yes, each electric bus has its own Tellus charger.
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