Should I Switch to an Electric Bus?

With over 2 million electric vehicles in use in the United States, electric buses will soon follow suit. But there are many factors involved when it comes to switching from diesel to electric, including infrastructure, charging stations, and electrical engineers. You might be wondering how much time the switch will take, how much it will cost, or if you qualify for funding.

If you’re considering electric buses, here are four important questions to ask yourself before making the switch. 

What do I need to know before switching to an electric bus?

There are many reasons why you might be considering a switch to EV buses, including increased interest and incentives from the federal government, state and local officials, school boards, and parents , to name a few. The switch to EV buses is a process, so you will need to set aside time to weigh these five steps to consider before shopping for an electric school bus. At Carolina Thomas, we help schools navigate the process of switching to electric buses by finding the right bus, setting up a pilot program, and connecting them with the right people. 

How much time do I need to switch to electric buses?

The switch to EV buses isn’t something that can happen overnight. You will need a proven, trusted partner to help you.  If you are interested in exploring electric buses for your school district, contact our EV Deployment team to learn more.

What is the cost of switching to an electric bus?

The cost of switching to an electric bus will vary depending on the bus or fleet size you need. Before you purchase your EV school bus, you will need to talk with the power company, set up your infrastructure, put in charging stations, and hire an engineer. 

The upfront cost of an electric bus is significantly more than diesel. However, The United States Environmental Protection Agency is offering federal funding to replace diesel buses with electric buses

In addition, electric buses have lower operating and maintenance costs which lower the total cost of ownership (TCO). The per-mile cost of electricity is much lower and more stable than other fuels. And since electric buses don’t have an internal combustion engine and related systems, they require fewer fluid changes and have fewer moving parts to maintain and replace.

Where can I get help switching to an electric bus?

Whether you are still in the early planning stages and are gathering answers to your questions, or are ready to make the switch to electric buses, Carolina Thomas can help you evaluate your needs and connect you to the people and resources you need to set up a pilot program. Let us help you with your switch!

We understand you may have more questions than answers.  Call one of our EV Deployment Team members to help guide you through these steps today!