Back to School: Embracing the New Wave of Electric School Buses

An update on the exciting progress of rolling out 1,435 new electric school buses to 200 school districts across the Midwest.

By David Reynolds, ELPC Intern 2024

As students head back to school this fall, many will notice a new addition to their daily routine: electric school buses. These state-of-the-art, emission-free vehicles offer a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable mode of transportation. The rising number of electric school buses on roads across the Midwest signifies a significant step forward in improving air quality and protecting the health of our children.

ELPC has been a champion for electric school buses for many years. We know that school buses serve more Americans than all other public transportation systems combined, reaching urban and rural communities alike, while improving public health and educational outcomes. Here’s the latest update on this successful program, which is helping to improve air quality for kids across the Midwest already.

The Clean School Bus Program

United States map shows where electric school buses have been awarded through the EPA's Clean School Bus Program from 2021-2024. The most have gone to California, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York, with over 400 buses funded each. Over the past two years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program has made tremendous strides in promoting the adoption of electric school buses. Thanks to funding provided through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program has awarded funding for more than 8,000 electric school buses across 49 states, four U.S. territories, and 55 Tribal school districts. This $5 billion program aims to replace old diesel school buses, particularly in districts that are disproportionately impacted by air pollution.

Midwest Numbers!

In the Midwest, the EPA has awarded funding for 1,435 electric school buses to over 200 different school districts over the past couple of years. Here’s a breakdown of electric school bus awards throughout the region’s seven states:

Illinois: 581 buses across 65 school districts
Indiana: 84 buses across 22 school districts
Iowa: 62 buses across 21 school districts
Michigan: 314 buses across 58 school districts
Minnesota: 102 buses across 19 school districts
Ohio: 65 buses across 13 school districts
Wisconsin: 135 buses across 28 school districts

Graphic shows a school bus next to Midwest states, indicating electric school buses committed by 2024 under the EPA Clean School Bus Program funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law. 102 to Minnesota, 135 to Wisconsin, 62 to Iowa, 581 to Illinois, 83 to Indiana, 314 to Michigan, and 162 to Ohio Local news stories highlight some impacts of these new buses and the motivations driving communities to make the switch. Here are a few quotes from Midwestern communities:

Edwardsville, IL

This small community in Southern Illinois received its first electric school bus as part of the Volkswagen Settlement funds, but they are planning for another four, in part thanks to money from the EPA program. “’Effective and reliable transportation is critical to the success of our district, and with First Student, we know our students are in safe hands,’ said Mary Ann Mitchell, the district’s public relations and communications coordinator… Matthews says that the vehicle they’ve already placed in the district has been a success.” Read The Edwardsville Intelligencer article here.

Wayne County, IN –

The county’s six new electric buses hit the road earlier this year, purchased with a $2.37 million Clean School Bus grant from the US EPA. “Superintendent Matthew Hicks said Northeastern Wayne is paying close attention to the economics of the new buses.” School bus driver Jason Farlow says “Other than being quieter and about 700 pounds lighter, the 72-passenger vehicles have little to differentiate them from the corporation’s diesel buses… There is no tailpipe because there are no emissions.” Read Western Wayne News article here.

Ann Arbor, MI –

Interim Superintendent Jazz Parks said, “This remarkable initiative marks a significant stride towards achieving the district’s environmental sustainability goals. At Ann Arbor Public Schools, we firmly believe that every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment.” Clague 8^th grader Ruhani Nagrath said “Being part of something that’s actively working towards eliminating or at least tone down climate change really makes me happy. It proves that we’re trying to work towards it and trying to make a better world for the future generation and our own” Read AAPS District News article here

The Impact of Electric School Buses

smoke comes out of car exhaust pipe

Environmental Impact

The transportation sector, including diesel school buses, accounts for nearly 40% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to diesel counterparts, ESBs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing the harmful pollutants that contribute to climate change. With nearly half a million school buses operational in the U.S. that transport over 20 million children each day, the shift to electric buses promises to improve air quality, especially for communities that disproportionately experience poor air quality.

Health Benefits

Diesel exhaust is particularly harmful to children, whose developing lungs are more vulnerable to pollutants. E to diesel fumes can lead to asthma, respiratory diseases, and even cognitive impairment. In the Midwest alone, over one million children have asthma, leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Transitioning to electric buses means cleaner air and healthier children. A 2023 study from the University of Michigan found “school districts that applied for federal funding for electric buses had better attendance rates and higher standardized test scores.” It estimated that replacing the nation’s oldest buses could reduce daily absences by 1.3 million.

Economic Advantages

Concerning Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), ESBs are approaching, and in some cases the same or lower TCO as diesel counterparts. This is especially true as ESBs can cost up to 60% less to operate and . Additionally, their operating schedules make them ideal candidates for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration, allowing unused energy to be returned to the grid during peak demand times, further enhancing their economic viability.

Looking Ahead

As students head back to school this fall, the growing number of electric school buses across the Midwest and the nation marks a significant step toward a cleaner, healthier future. If you’d like to see electric school buses in your community, you can speak out about this important issue with your school board, administrators, or local media. Find resources here:

With more clean buses on the roads, we’re not only improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also enhancing the well-being of our children. This back-to-school season let’s celebrate the progress made so far and continue to advocate for electric school buses!