School buses are necessary to take children to and from school. However, their emissions are concerning for the long-term health of communities.
Could riding an electric school bus solve the problem? While these large electric vehicles (EVs) require a lot of energy, V2G technology has the potential to make school districts nationwide more sustainable.
Electric school buses have recently become more prominent as states electrify their fleets. The World Resources Institute estimates the United States has about 5,000 electric buses serving 254,000 students. This electric push has partly come from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, which has helped districts in rural and lower-income areas.
Some officials have been wary about transitioning because of power consumption, especially with a large electric school bus. However, V2G technology has mitigated these worries by creating a mutually beneficial relationship with the grid. Buses can draw and send energy back to municipal grids, thus lessening the strain.
Implementing V2G-Enabled Electric School Buses
A recent example of electric school bus implementation is Oakland Unified School District in Northern California. In 2024, the school district introduced 74 electric buses to transport children with disabilities and protect their health. The district leverages an integrated V2G platform to let the buses send power to the grid during the school day. Therefore, these large EVs can reduce their overall environmental impact.
Kim Raney, the executive director of transportation in Oakland Unified School District, said the buses will significantly impact the community through grid stability and public health.
“The families of Oakland are disproportionately disadvantaged and affected by high rates of asthma and exposure to air pollution from diesel fuels,” Raney said. “Providing our students with cleaner and quieter transportation on electric school buses will be a game changer, ensuring they have an equitable and stronger chance of success in the classroom.”
Most Oakland electric school buses return to the depot after the school day. Then, they can alleviate grid demand by feeding energy during peak hours. The Bay Area experiences increased strain and power outages in the summer and fall, so sending power back is advantageous for the community.
Surplus energy is also beneficial when funding a district’s electric school bus program. These school vehicles can sell battery power to the grid, thus offsetting operating costs. EPA funding has helped school districts nationwide fund their buses, so exchanging energy for credits can be a reliable revenue generator.
One obstacle for these advanced buses is charging times. Standard electric cars require less than two hours with a level two charger, but electric buses need something more powerful. Drivers must ensure their school transportation can last the entire route and charge during the day. Therefore, fast-charging batteries are optimal for these buses.
An electric school bus with a smaller battery pack typically contains 50-250 kWh of power, letting the vehicle charge faster. These large EVs have predictable routes running twice daily, so they can charge in the middle of the day. However, the Department of Transportation says charging times and battery pack sizes depend on ridership and weather conditions.
Deploying an Electric School Bus Despite the Weather
V2G-enabled buses have risen even in locations where weather is a liability. Colorado is a recent example, as the state has added 67 school buses to fulfill routes. Previously, it had 52 buses either ordered or on the road. The state experiences heavy snow and ice in the winter, but these conditions have yet to deter school districts.
Albert Samora, the executive director of transportation for Denver Public Schools, said an electric school bus costs only 20 cents per mile. Conversely, diesel-powered transportation costs the school system up to 80 cents per mile. Electric buses are especially beneficial for a city like Denver, which faces pollution from wildfires and fossil fuel operations.
Another example comes from the Empire State. New York City endures harsh winters due to its northern location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. In 2022, the suburb of White Plains deployed five electric school buses charged at the local depot. Officials retrofitted three to have V2G bidirectional charging, supporting the White Plains grid.
Researchers found that the school buses exceeded expectations for energy losses and kilowatts per mile. When sending battery power, 85% returned to the grid for public use. Officials said their V2G technology was beneficial because of the fixed routes, making the buses more formidable for grid support. White Plains is just one example, as New York will electrify its school bus fleet by 2035.
V2G-enabled buses are helpful during the school year, typically lasting until May or June. However, these EVs can remain productive during the summer break. Bidirectional charging is more critical when the hot weather arrives, considering the rise in air conditioner use. Electric buses can stay at the depot and become backup power sources.
Beverly, Massachusetts, is among the first towns to implement this strategy. In 2022, the public school system used two buses as backup generators and sold 7 mWh to the municipal grid. Experts say that’s enough power for 200 homes for an entire day. Beverly added another electric bus in 2023 to back up the town, and the district has plans for more.
