Electric School Buses: Why Schools Should Transition to EV Fleets

Key Numbers to Consider

• 19.2 tonnes: The annual greenhouse gas emissions reduced by replacing a single diesel school bus (Source: Equiterre).
• 14 million cigarettes: Equivalent air pollution from one diesel bus's yearly emissions (Source: Equiterre).
• 50%: The reduction in maintenance costs for electric school buses compared to diesel buses (Source: NRCan).
• $120,000 to $150,000: Lifetime operational savings for a single electric school bus (Source: CUTRIC).
• $9,000: Average annual revenue per bus participating in vehicle-to-grid programs (Source: Electric School Bus).
• 40%: The share of Canada’s school bus fleet located in Ontario, highlighting the province's significant emissions impact (Source: Pollution Probe).

The familiar hum of a diesel-powered school bus may soon be replaced by the quiet whir of electric motors. With growing concerns about climate change, student health, and energy efficiency, transitioning to electric school buses (ESBs) isn’t just an environmentally friendly choice—it’s a smart one. Below are 8 reasons why schools should embrace this transformative shift.

1. Cleaner Air, Healthier Students

Diesel school buses emit significant amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), which are linked to respiratory issues, asthma, and long-term lung problems. For the two million children in Canada who take school buses daily, this exposure is particularly concerning.

The Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) reports that air pollution levels inside diesel-powered buses can be even higher than outside. A 2023 report noted that traffic-related air pollution impedes children’s lung development and has been linked to asthma and, in severe cases, premature death.

Switching to ESBs eliminates tailpipe emissions altogether. According to Equiterre, replacing just one diesel bus can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19.2 tonnes annually—equivalent to nearly 14 million cigarettes worth of emissions. With over 50,000 school buses in Canada, the potential for improvement is enormous.

2. Financial Savings Over Time

Though electric buses come with a higher upfront cost—around $400,000 compared to $100,000 for diesel—operating costs tell a different story. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) highlights that electric buses are about 50% cheaper to maintain due to fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes.

In provinces like British Columbia and Quebec, where electricity is abundant and inexpensive, the per-kilometer operating cost of an electric school bus is about 80% lower than that of a diesel bus. Over its lifespan, an electric bus could save between $120,000 and $150,000 in operational costs, according to the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC).

3. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Charging: A Hidden Superpower

One of the most exciting advantages of ESBs is their ability to participate in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging programs. When buses are parked overnight or during non-operational hours, they can feed stored energy back into the electrical grid. This not only earns revenue for schools but also supports grid stability during peak demand.

Pilot programs in the United States demonstrated that V2G-enabled electric buses could offset their charging costs by returning power to the grid during high-demand periods. In one of these pilot projects, a fleet of 10 buses generated approximately $6,000 USD in annual revenue per bus. Such programs could significantly benefit provinces with higher energy costs and fluctuating energy demands, like Ontario and Alberta.

4. Energy Resilience During Emergencies

Vehicle-to-grid/building technology has been widely discussed as a way to provide power during emergencies. Canada's unpredictable weather makes resilience a top priority. Electric buses, equipped with large batteries (100-300 kWh), have been highlighted for their potential to provide emergency backup power. This dual purpose—transportation and energy resilience—adds an extra layer of value to investing in ESBs.

British Columbia has been a leader in the adoption of electric school buses, with the Sooke School District pioneering their use in the province. This trend reflects the growing recognition of the climate, health, and economic benefits of transitioning to electric transportation.

5. Uneven Progress Across Canada

Adoption of ESBs varies widely across provinces. Quebec leads with an ambitious target to electrify 65% of its school bus fleet by 2030. Prince Edward Island has mandated that all new school bus purchases be electric, but lack of federal funding caused the province to replace 30 aging buses with diesel models in 2023.

By contrast, Ontario—home to 40% of Canada’s school buses—has shown little progress. With approximately 20,833 diesel and gas-powered buses, Ontario’s fleet is responsible for 400,000 tonnes of annual emissions. According to Pollution Probe’s 2023 report, these emissions are directly linked to severe health impacts, including increased cases of asthma and cardiovascular issues.

6. Real-World Success: Montgomery County Public Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland operates the largest electric school bus fleet in the United States. As of October 2022, MCPS deployed 86 electric school buses, with plans to replace 326 diesel buses by 2025 and transition to an entirely electric fleet within 10 years. 

This initiative has led to significant reductions in fuel and maintenance expenses, with the district anticipating daily savings of up to 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel and immediate cost reductions by 50%. 

The quieter and more spacious buses have also enhanced the transportation experience for students. This large-scale adoption of electric school buses not only improves student health and reduces environmental impact but also results in substantial cost savings for school districts (Source: Electrek).

7. Addressing Barriers to Adoption

While electric school buses offer undeniable benefits, challenges remain. Many provinces lack specific adoption targets, and the federal Zero-Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) has been criticized for its slow rollout and limited allocation to school buses. To date, the Canada Infrastructure Bank has contributed $495 million in loans for over 4,400 electric school buses, yet this represents less than 10% of the national fleet.

Experts, including Josipa Petrunic of CUTRIC, emphasize the need for faster legislative action and better funding structures. “The costs of inaction—healthcare, environmental degradation—far outweigh the investment required to transition,” says Petrunic. She estimates that each electric school bus could yield over $207,000 in health-related savings during its lifespan.

However, there are a number of barriers facing the adoption of ESBs. The adoption of electric school buses (ESBs) faces several significant barriers, including:

Financial Challenges

1. High upfront costs: ESBs can cost 3-4 times more than diesel counterparts (World Resource Institute).
2. Insufficient funding: Federal funding alone is often not enough, especially in provinces without additional support (CESBA).
3. Complex financing: Difficulties in adapting rigid procurement structures and lack of long-term, sustainable financing options (World Resource Institute).

Technical and Operational Barriers

1. Range limitations: Concerns about ESBs' ability to complete daily routes and field trips (School Transportation News).
2. Charging infrastructure: Inadequate charging stations and connectivity issues (CESBA, Equiterre).
3. Operational knowledge gaps: Lack of experience with ESB systems and maintenance(World Resource Institute, Equiterre).

Administrative and Institutional Hurdles

1. Complex application processes: Accessing funding programs like ZETF and CIB loans is often encumbered by procedural challenges (CESBA).
2. Lack of political leadership: Insufficient support from government and public policy (World Resource Institute).
3. Institutional deficiencies: Limited authority, funding, and physical space for necessary adaptations (World Resource Institute).

Other Challenges

1. Equity concerns: Underserved districts face additional obstacles in adoption (World Resource Institute, University of Toronto).
2. Limited data: Lack of comprehensive information from Canadian pilots to inform decision-making (Electric Autonomy).
3. Training needs: Shortage of maintenance training and limited fleet manager knowledge (Equiterre).

Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased funding, streamlined processes, improved infrastructure, and enhanced education and training programs.

8. Positive Educational Impact

Electric buses provide a unique opportunity to teach students about sustainability and renewable energy. By integrating real-world examples into STEM curricula, schools can inspire future generations to think critically about environmental challenges.

In Calgary, schools partnered with ENMAX to create interactive programs showing how electric buses contribute to the city’s net-zero goals. This hands-on approach makes the transition to ESBs not just a logistical win, but an educational one as well.

Conclusion: A Smarter, Greener Future

Transitioning to electric school buses is more than an environmental decision—it’s an investment in our children’s health, our schools’ financial stability, and our planet’s future. By leveraging the benefits of V2G technology, addressing funding challenges, and committing to sustainability, Canadian schools can lead the charge toward a cleaner tomorrow.

If your school district is considering this transition, now is the time to act. Not only will you be part of a nationwide movement to reduce emissions, but you’ll also enjoy long-term savings and invaluable educational opportunities for your students. 

Contact Electrum for a site assessment, to see how much power you have available for adding EV charging.

Thanks for reading!

Sources:

1. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): https://www.nrcan.gc.ca 
2. Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC): https://www.cutric-crituc.org
3. Electric School Bus: https://electricschoolbus.org/vehicle-to-grid-relevant-or-not-the-least-you-need-to-know/
4. Electrek.co:  https://electrek.co/2022/10/25/largest-electric-school-bus-fleet-us/
5. Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html 
6. Equiterre: https://www.equiterre.org 
7. Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA): https://www.cesba.ca 
8. Pollution Probe: https://www.pollutionprobe.org 

Pembina Institute: https://www.pembina.org