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Here in Indiana, sharing the road with an electric school bus isn’t a common sight.

But that’s changing.

With over 13,000 committed electric school buses throughout the United States, the future of school buses is looking more and more electric. This is an exciting opportunity for countless school districts because EV buses provide a variety of advantages. However, as with any shift in the market, big changes lead to big questions.
Dave Dorsett, Kerlin’s EV Account Manager, provided rapid-fire answers to 12 of the most common questions.

1. What Is The Range Of An Electric School Bus?

The range is 130-138 miles depending on the driver and the conditions.

2. How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric School Bus?

25kW charging stations take up to 8 hours and 60kW charging stations take 2-3 hours.

3. Will More Funding Opportunities Be Available Soon?

Yes, we have several years of federal funding ahead of us as well as utility funding. VW funding is coming soon.

4. What Makes The Jouley Special?

The Jouley is very dependable. It's in a league of its own among other EV school buses. The features alone put this bus ahead in reliability, safety, and convenience to operate. Its performance has proven to be efficient, manageable for school routes, and most of all, a fun bus to drive and ride. All of this improves the driver's capabilities while also putting students in a safer environment for transporting. Overall, it’s a very positive, long-term investment for school corporations.

5. What Are The Biggest Advantages That Electric School Buses Provide?

With zero tailpipe emissions, enhanced safety, lower maintenance costs, and a quieter overall ride, EV buses provide a variety of advantages.

There’s also the daily cost. Electric buses average $10 in operating costs per day versus $75 per day for diesel and other fuels.

6. Do Electric School Buses Require Less Maintenance?

Yes. With less braking, fewer moving motor parts, and fewer overall maintenance items, you can expect fewer breakdowns.

7. What Should More Schools Understand About Electric Buses?

Schools must be willing to accept the concepts behind EV buses and be willing to be trained. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but electric buses are cost efficient if managed properly.

8. What Is The Top Speed?

They are as fast as other buses. They perform at the speed designated by highways or roads. Here in Indiana, the Jouley is software set at 65 mph.

9. Are Electric School Buses More Cost-Effective?

Yes. If current trends hold true, EV buses will be more cost-efficient over the life of the vehicle.

10. How Much Does It Cost To Install A Charging Station?

The cost of installation can vary based on the size and location of the charger.

Price range between $2,000-$5,000 for 25kW chargers and $40,000-$65,000 for 100kW chargers.

11. How Do Electric School Buses Perform In Cold Weather?

The Jouley performs very well in cold weather. Losing minimal battery usage in lower temperatures has had no real effect on the mileage range.

12. If You Are Not Ready For An EV In Your Fleet, What Other Clean Sources Of Fuel Should You Consider?

The diesel of today is not what it was even 10 years ago. The stringent emission requirements make them a clean choice for schools. Diesel engines also have longevity that will last the life of the school bus.

If you have additional questions about electric school buses, contact Kerlin today.