EV Common Questions

Everything You Need To Know About Electric School Buses


Diesel or electric?

School districts across the country are asking themselves that same question.

On one hand, diesel buses have provided reliable transportation for decades. You know the manufacturers. You have trusted mechanics. And your drivers feel comfortable behind the wheel.

But on the other hand, electric school buses are thought of by many as the future. With both less downtime and expected savings over the lifetime of the vehicle, the benefits are hard to ignore.

Melanie Zehr, Vice President here at Kerlin, has received great feedback. “What we’re hearing from customers is that electric buses are quiet, responsive, efficient, easy to charge, and they heat up well,” Zehr said. “The bus itself isn’t different. It’s just a matter of getting used to driving it.”

If you are considering making the jump, here are some of the most common questions. To get any questions answered, contact Kerlin today.

Electric school bus front

What Are The Advantages Of Electric School Buses?

Electric school buses have several advantages:

  • Lower operating costs

  • Less frequent maintenance

  • Potential federal funding

  • Zero tailpipe emissions

In addition to cleaner air for your passengers and the planet, many of these benefits come down to dollars and cents. After the initial high purchase price, electric buses are often less expensive than their fossil fuel counterparts. You can expect fewer breakdowns and you’re no longer at the mercy of high, fluctuating fuel prices.

Electric school bus side

What Are The Disadvantages Of Electric School Buses?

The two biggest disadvantages are cost and range. Although an electric bus is likely to save money in the long term, the initial purchase price is considerably higher. This difference can be potentially offset with different funding options.

The second is the range. Although the mileage gap between electric buses and diesel buses should shrink in the coming years, the current gap is significant. Currently, diesel buses travel roughly seven times further on a single tank compared to a single charge.