Aug. 25, 2025
Electric buses are bursting onto the scene for cities, private transit companies and schools looking for an alternative to traditional buses. These buses are more eco-friendly and can also save you money over time, so it’s no wonder they are gaining popularity. By some estimates, close to half of the world’s city bus fleet could consist of electric buses by . That would be about 1.2 million electric buses, up from 386,000 electric buses in .
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If you’re interested in adding some electric buses to your school’s fleet, keep reading. We’re going to share important information about how electric buses work and answer some common questions about electric buses, so you can make an informed decision.
An electric bus is a type of electric vehicle (EV), meaning it is fueled by electricity rather than other fuel types like diesel fuel or gasoline. Unlike a hybrid vehicle, which combines battery power with an internal combustion engine, an electric bus relies solely on electricity for power. For this reason, electric vehicles are sometimes referred to as “all-electric vehicles” to make it clear that they do not combine electricity with any other type of power.
View Our New Electric BusesElectric buses are a newer alternative to more traditional buses, but they are becoming a popular option for cities, private transportation companies and school districts that want to take advantage of EV technology. Electric buses cost more initially than other kinds, but they can save money over time.An electric bus draws electricity from the power grid and stores it in a battery that can be recharged once the electricity has been used up. This basically mirrors the way our electronics work. We plug them in and let the battery charge and then use them wirelessly until it’s time to charge again.
The main difference between an electric bus and our cell phones and laptops is that the electrically charged battery powers an electric motor in the bus. “The wheels on the bus go round and round,” thanks to this electric motor. More precisely, when the bus driver’s foot presses on the accelerator, the battery powers the motor, which powers the gears that rotate the bus’s tires.
In a traditional bus, a motor works along with an alternator, but an electric motor in an EV has the double function of acting as an alternator and motor. This is possible because the voltage of an AC signal can easily be increased or decreased.
From the driver’s perspective, an electric bus functions essentially like any other type of bus. There is no special way of operating it. Of course, when it’s time to refuel, this is when the difference becomes obvious, but it’s a process that EV drivers quickly become used to.
If you’re considering an electric bus for your school, you’ll want to know about the benefits of electric buses. Why should you consider an electric bus over more traditional options? There are advantages and disadvantages to consider with any type of bus — diesel, propane, gasoline, electric or otherwise — so it’s always smart to compare these options and see which is the best fit for your needs. When it comes to electric buses, there are some valuable benefits to consider. Electric buses are eco-friendly, quiet, low-maintenance and affordable.
One of the main reasons to consider an electric bus over other options is how eco-friendly they are. Compared to combustion engines that run on fuel like diesel, an electric vehicle will have a minimal impact on the environment.
Environmental friendliness is also a benefit of hybrid electric buses, but hybrid buses still burn fuel and, therefore, don’t have zero emissions like an all-electric bus does. When your priority is choosing a bus that will contribute to a healthier environment, an electric bus is the clear choice.
One thing you might notice the first time you drive or ride on an electric bus is how quiet it is. Electric buses operate far more quietly than other types of buses with internal combustion engines. This is always a nice feature of electric vehicles, but it can be a major benefit when it comes to school buses.
School bus drivers in an electric bus are better able to hear what is going on in the seats behind them. This can help drivers feel more of a sense of control and can increase the level of accountability among students on board. A quieter operation can also help drivers maintain better focus on the road.
Another major advantage of electric buses is how little maintenance they require. Many of the maintenance tasks needed with a diesel or gas-powered bus are unnecessary with an electric bus. When performing maintenance on an electric bus, you can eliminate:
Additionally, you won’t have to change the coolant as often, and you can get a longer lifespan out of the brake pads. Overall, electric vehicles are extremely low-maintenance compared to other vehicles. Fewer maintenance needs can translate directly into cost savings. It also means buses in your fleet can stay on the road and don’t have to be out of commission at the auto shop as often.
Some schools may shy away from purchasing electric buses because they cost more than other bus models. These buses do require a larger upfront investment, but they can also save you money over time. Electric buses save money by minimizing maintenance costs and eliminating fuel costs.
These cost savings can add up to around $39,000 per year, which is more than enough to cover the additional cost of an electric vehicle over the bus’s lifetime. You can also offset the cost with government subsidies, tax breaks and grants from your power supply company. Now is a great time to purchase electric vehicles because you can benefit from these financial incentives.
Since electric buses are still a relatively new product, many people are skeptical about the idea of adding electric buses to their fleet. Fortunately, we’re here to answer those questions, so you can feel assured that electric buses are a practical option for your school.
Electric vehicles have been around for much longer than most people realize. Inventors were working on developing electric vehicles in the mid-19th century. By the late 19th century, electric cars had become practical. William Morrison created the first successful EV in the U.S. and generated some interest in electric vehicles. In the early 20th century, electric cars made up about a third of all vehicles on the road in the U.S.
Gas-powered vehicles continue to dominate the market, but electric vehicles have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Although the technology for electric vehicles has been around for a while, all-electric buses are a more recent innovation. It’s difficult to pinpoint when the first electric bus was made, though we do know some early bus manufacturers built gasoline-electric models. All-electric buses have only recently emerged, however, as a solid alternative to more standard options. Blue Bird was the first manufacturer to market electric school buses in .
To look at something’s carbon footprint, you should consider its whole life cycle. What sort of impact does it have on the environment throughout its manufacturing, operation, maintenance and disposal? Fortunately, electric buses have an impressively small carbon footprint compared to other buses, making them a great option for schools or cities trying to make a concentrated effort to go green.
All-electric buses also have lower emissions over the course of their life cycle compared to natural gas and diesel-hybrid buses. Blue Bird’s electric school buses produce zero emissions. Of course, the electricity grid itself contributes some emissions. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, an electric bus that is charged by the national electricity mix will produce 1,078 grams CO2e per mile. Compare that to 2,364 grams CO2e per mile for natural gas and 2,212 grams CO2e per mile for a diesel hybrid.
Whereas usage is the lifecycle stage that accounts for around 90% of a diesel bus’s climate impact, for an all-electric bus, usage could only account for 30%, and that’s out of a much lower total climate impact. Still, this means if you want your electric bus to have as small a carbon footprint as possible, it’s important to focus on the manufacturing part of its lifecycle and purchase from a manufacturer that uses environmentally responsible methods.
How much energy it takes to run an electric bus depends on a few factors. Just as other types of buses have varying levels of fuel economy, you’ll find varying levels of electricity consumption for electric buses. It also depends on factors like the topography on your route and whether you’re running air conditioning or heat.
In one test, 18-meter electric buses used between 1.65 and 1.84 kilowatt-hours per kilometer traveled. In this scenario, buses were running air conditioning, which accounted for part of the energy consumption.
Most electric buses today use a lithium-ion battery. This battery technology has dropped dramatically in price over the last decade, making it more accessible. This is the same type of battery used in laptops and cellphones. Lithium-ion batteries offer some important advantages that have made it the battery of choice, such as how lightweight it is, how much energy it can hold and how it can be recharged.
When a lithium-ion battery is charging, lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode. When you’re drawing power from the battery, the opposite occurs: the anode releases lithium ions to the cathode. Although modern lithium-ion batteries can hold an impressive amount of energy for their size, they still need to be recharged periodically so you can keep your bus on the road.
For schools considering electric buses, one of the most important questions is, how many miles can an electric school bus go? Will it be able to complete its route without needing a charge? The number of miles an electric bus can travel depends on the bus and particularly on its battery’s power density. It also depends on how much idling is included in your trip and what type of terrain you’re covering, among other factors.
That said, it is possible to estimate how far a bus can go on a single charge. Blue Bird’s electric school buses can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge. With intentional planning, drivers should never have to worry about being stranded due to a drained battery. Since electric buses can now travel farther than ever before, they are a practical option to consider.
Electric buses charge in the same way that smaller electric vehicles do: by connecting to a charging station. The standard connection for modern EVs and chargers is called the SAE J. Electric buses should be equipped with this standard receptacle, which allows you to connect to any Level 1 or Level 2 charger. These levels denote how fast the station can charge your vehicle. Level 2 charging stations are preferable for electric buses since they use a 240 V or 208 V plug for faster charging.
DC Fast Charge stations can provide even faster charging. These stations use a 480 V AC input. It is far less common to have electric vehicles that can connect to these stations since this connection requires special equipment. There is also currently no standard connector for plugging into a DC Fast Charge station. In the future, wireless charging may become more widely available. This charging method uses an electromagnetic field to charge an electric vehicle’s battery.
Many cities are seeing public charging stations pop up as EVs gain popularity. When you’re trying out an electric school bus for the first time, you may want to take advantage of public charging stations. However, when electric buses become a significant part of your fleet, you’ll want to install your own charging stations on site. You don’t necessarily need a charging station for every electric bus in your fleet. You may be able to have a rotating schedule, so multiple buses can take turns charging on the same station.
How long it takes to charge an electric bus depends on the bus and the charging station. A smaller battery designed for shorter trips and more frequent charging will typically take less time to charge than a battery that holds more energy for longer trips. Even for buses with the same battery, some charging stations can charge a vehicle more quickly than others.
For an electric bus, typically, you’ll be charging with a Level 2 charger. Using one of these chargers, Blue Bird Electric buses can reach a full charge in around six to eight hours. This length of time makes overnight charging especially convenient. With a CCS1 plug connected to a DC Fast Charging Station, Blue Bird electric buses can charge in just three hours.
As with other types of buses, the lifespan of an electric bus depends on the amount of use and wear it experiences, along with other factors. Generally, though, the useful life expectancy of an electric bus is around 12 years, which is about the same life expectancy you can expect with other types of school buses.
However, the battery may need to be replaced during that 12-year span. Batteries that need replacing can still serve a useful purpose in storing energy for several more years before being recycled.
Because electric buses don’t have any emissions from burning fossil fuels, they don’t contribute to air pollution in the way that other buses do. This means they can help make a city’s air cleaner and healthier overall. In addition to these large-scale effects, an electric bus can be healthier in a more localized sense, too.
For people standing near the bus, they won’t have to inhale diesel exhaust fumes, which can cause negative health effects. These health effects are worse for children, making this something to consider even more when it comes to a school bus. While you can mitigate the health risks of a diesel bus by avoiding inhaling the exhaust fumes, overall, an electric bus is a healthier alternative to consider.
Electric buses may be commonplace in the near future, but for now, most people look around and don’t see many electric buses on the road. This is mainly because, as with any new innovation, electric buses will take time to fully catch on.
For now, a lack of familiarity discourages some schools from giving electric buses a try. Change always seems more difficult than sticking to the status quo, but schools that choose to make the jump to electric buses can cash in on some real benefits. You don’t need to wait until electric buses are more commonplace.
If you’re located in North Carolina, Gregory Poole is your source for electric school buses. We have a fleet of new electric buses from Blue Bird Corporation. Blue Bird has been setting industry standards since and has developed a reputation for innovation. Their electric school buses maintain the same standards of safety and quality you’ll find in their other buses, along with the unique benefits of an electric vehicle.
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Gregory Poole is the authorized Blue Bird bus dealer for all of North Carolina and has been in business for over 65 years. We’re a partner you can trust for quality electric buses for your school. Contact us today to learn more.
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Opting for an electric car marks a key step toward a more sustainable future. However, before making the purchase of an electric vehicle, it is essential to carefully consider several aspects to ensure that this choice is the right one for you.
We at Powy have created a guide with 10 key points to consider before buying an electric car.
The availability of charging stations is a crucial factor when considering the purchase of an electric car. Therefore, before you buy, check for charging points in your area, and especially along the routes you travel most frequently. Even in cases where you have a home charging infrastructure, in several cases you may have to rely on the public charging network.
The network of public charging stations is growing rapidly, with an increase in fast-charging points along highways and in urban centers, throughout Europe. However, in some rural areas, availability is more limited. Powy has installed several charging stations in strategic locations, in Italy and Spain, making it easier for electric car drivers to plan for charging.
An essential aspect to consider before choosing electric is thecar's range: the decision must be made by assessing one's needs. To get an idea, a survey (U.S. Department of Energy: "Median and maximum range of electric vehicles offered for sale in the United States, Model Years -") of 46,000 vehicles in 17 countries found that 86 percent of electric cars on the market meet more than 98 percent of European trips without recharging.
It also found an increase in average range from 211 km in to 350 km in : a 65 percent increase. Often, many people, tend to underestimate the range of cars, as this study showed; in Italy, for example, there is an average daily range of only 37 km: far below the range of most electric cars on the market today.
If you have no special needs, a vehicle with a range of 200 to 350 kilometers is ideal for city use: this will allow you to charge the car every two or three days. Also, if you live in the city it may be convenient to opt for a small electric car. If, on the other hand, you anticipate greater use and to reach even 400 kilometers per day, we recommend buying a car with a larger battery capacity, despite the fact that to date there are not many models that can guarantee high guaranteed autonomy.
The time it takes to charge an electric car can vary greatly depending on several factors, the most important among them being the power of the charging point, the maximum power the accumulator is capable of absorbing, and the capacity of the battery.
To approximate, according to Motus-E, the charging time can be estimated by dividing the battery capacity by the available charging power, assuming the infrastructure is capable of delivering the maximum power supported by the vehicle.
Theoretically, a 50 kWh battery could be fully charged in 30 minutes at 100 kW and in 20 minutes at 150 kW. However, in practice, charging power depends on other variations, such as battery temperature and percentage of charge remaining. For example, for an average car with a range of about 450 km, capable of charging at 150 kW on direct current, it is possible to go from 20% to 80% charge in about 20-25 minutes.
Currently in Italy, the most powerful public columns reach a power output of 350 kW, enabling the latest generation of electric cars to charge about 200 km of range every 10 minutes. Until a few years ago, the maximum charging power did not exceed 50 kW.
In contrast, at home charging stations, which have less power, compact cars take about 9-10 hours for a full charge, while medium-large cars take about 12 hours. So consider how much time you can spend charging your vehicle and how it fits into your daily lifestyle.
Powy offers a full range of charging infrastructure to meet different needs and usage scenarios. Proposed solutions include "Slow" charging up to 7.4 kW, ideal for long-stay parking lots and residential areas; "Quick" charging up to 22 kW, perfect for hotels and shopping malls; "Fast" charging up to 100 kW, suitable for highway gas stations and corporate fleets; "Super-fast" charging up to 150 kW, ideal for high-traffic transport nodes; and finally "Ultra-fast" charging above 150 kW, which minimizes waiting time and is perfect for long trips and high-traffic areas.
Modern electric cars can be easily integrated with smart home management systems, offering numerous advantages in convenience, energy efficiency and safety.
Electric cars can be programmed to charge during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheapest, using home energy management systems. Through smartphone apps, owners can remotely monitor and control charging, climate control, and other vehicle functions and integrate them with other smart home devices.
Smart home systems can monitor car energy consumption and optimize overall energy use in the home, contributing to more efficient and sustainable management. In addition, electric cars can be charged using solar energy produced by home solar panels, further reducing environmental impact and energy costs.
Exploring integration with the smart home can offer significant added value to future electric car owners by showing how these vehicles can become a central part of a smart and sustainable home.
Incentives and concessions for electric vehicles are not just limited to rebates and tax credits, but offer significant benefits that make buying an electric car especially affordable.
In many cities, electric vehicles have free access to restricted traffic zones, helping to avoid traffic congestion and improve urban air quality. They also enjoy full exemptions for the first 5 years after first registration or partial exemptions from subsequent years for annual car tax payments, reducing operating costs.
Insurance companies tend to offer lower rates for electric vehicles, recognizing their lower emission of pollutants and lower risk of accidents than conventional vehicles.
In several countries, including Italy, governments are actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through targeted incentives. However, it is important to carefully assess the requirements needed to qualify for such incentives and to consider the overall impact on the cost of the vehicle in the long run.
The cost of an electric car goes far beyond the initial purchase price. Although the latter may be higher than for an internal combustion model, the total cost of ownership, considering the entire life cycle of the vehicle, may prove more affordable.
Charging costs, generally lower than for fuel, vary depending on the rates charged by operators and government policies in place. In Italy, the average cost to charge an electric car at home is about €0.36/kWh, while in Spain it is about €0.22/kWh.
This translates into an annual cost of about €500 for an electric hatchback used mostly in the city, compared to more than €1,000 for a gasoline car. In addition, the charging network in both countries is expanding rapidly, offering various home and public charging options at competitive prices.
In terms of maintenance, electric cars require fewer mechanical components and thus have lower maintenance costs than conventional vehicles. The average annual maintenance expense for an electric car is about €182, compared with €314 for gasoline cars.
However, battery replacement, while a less frequent operation than changing an internal combustion engine, can entail a significant expense in the long run. Despite this, electric cars benefit from tax breaks and lower insurance costs, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
[Sources: elaborations based on data from ARERA, Red Eléctrica de España, ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) and International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Please note that estimates may contain errors].
The battery is one of the most expensive components of an electric car. Most modern batteries last between 150,000 and 300,000 kilometers, but their capacity can decrease over time.
Check the battery warranty and the manufacturer's policy on battery replacement. Many manufacturers offer warranties of 8 years or more on the battery, which may cover replacement or repair in the event of significant degradation. Also inquire about the battery management technologies used in the vehicle, which can affect its longevity and overall performance.
Electric cars offer a different driving experience than conventional vehicles. They are generally quieter, due to the lack of an internal combustion engine, and they offer instant torque, which can make acceleration smoother and faster.
This makes driving - in the opinion of many - more pleasant and responsive, especially in the city. In addition, many electric cars are equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies, further enhancing the driving experience. It is advisable to take a test drive to see if you like the driving sensation and if the vehicle meets your expectations.
To assess the environmental impact of a vehicle, it is essential to consider the entire life cycle through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which includes emissions generated during production, use and disposal (or battery recycling).
According to data reported by Motus-E, in the U.S. and Europe, electric cars emit less CO₂ overall than gasoline cars, despite more impactful initial production. In Europe, electric cars emit between 10 and 21 tons, while internal combustion cars reach at least 44 tons. On average, an electric car emits 60 percent less CO₂ than a gasoline car, with reductions of up to 77 percent in Europe and 88 percent in the US.
With the rise of renewable energy and technological advances, emissions from battery production, which currently account for about 60 percent of an electric car's total emissions, will be further reduced.
The market for electric cars is changing rapidly, and resale value can vary. Newer models with greater range tend to hold their value better. Consider buying a car with a good reputation and warranty to protect your investment.
It is also useful to research models that have proven to have good resale value over time. Also, keep in mind that the evolution of technology can affect resale value: models with outdated technology may depreciate more quickly.
Buying an electric car is an important decision, not to be taken lightly, but it is important to make some considerations. As the choice of an electric car becomes increasingly attractive, it is critical to consider not only the features of the vehicle but also the supporting ecosystem.
Powy works every day to meet charging needs by offering a network of charging stations in strategic locations and also with fast and ultra-rapid charging options. This allows users to be able to plan even long trips, making the purchase of electric cars more attractive.
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