Electric school buses (ESBs) present an opportunity for school districts and municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve health and learning outcomes for students.
Schools across Massachusetts are already making the transition to electric school buses with the support from numerous technical assistance and funding programs. Though electric school buses have many benefits, the transition has key challenges, including higher upfront costs, infrastructure needs, ownership and operation models, stakeholder coordination, and unfamiliarity with electric school bus operations.
Electric School Bus (ESB) Roadmap
This roadmap is intended to be a guide for school districts and municipalities to start planning for an effective and efficient transition to electric school buses. It highlights the key steps that school districts should take and includes many additional links for decision-makers to learn more and connect to existing resources.
Fleet electrification requires involvement from a variety of stakeholders across an organization. Engaging a project team with wide representation, early on and often, is essential for successful ESB deployment. Below is a list of key stakeholders who should be involved in early stages of planning:
- Mayor's Office or City/Town Manager
- Municipal Finance Office or School District Finance Office
- School Committee
- School District Manager
- School District Superintendent
- Sustainability Office or Energy Office
- City Solicitor or Town Counsel
- Municipal Procurement Manager or Purchasing Agent
- Local Electric Utility
- School Transportation Department
Why Electric School Buses?
Newly constructed electric school bus parking with fully commissioned EVSE.
Photo Credit: MassCEC.
In Massachusetts, more than 400,000 students ride the bus to school.
The vast majority, over 95%, of these buses are powered by diesel.
Transitioning from diesel buses to electric school buses (ESBs) can lead to many health benefits for students, schools, and communities, and is key to achieving Massachusetts' climate goals.
Additional Resources
Why We Need to Transition to Electric School Buses
World Resources Institute
This article highlights the benefits and opportunities of transitioning to electric school buses.
The Transition to Electric School Buses Must Center Equity. Here's Why
World Resource Institute
This article discusses the existing inequities in school commutes and identifies opportunities to embed equity in the transition to electric school buses.
Electric Bus Basics and Key Challenges
Clean Cities and Communities
This webinar introduces electric school buses and addresses the key challenges and opportunities of fleet electrification.
Electric School Bus Familiarization: Bus Technology Overview
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
This technical webinar reviews the fundamentals of electric school bus technologies, electric bus maintenance, vehicle-to-grid technologies, and energy storage systems.
Driving Change: A State Playbook for Equitable Electric School Bus Policy
World Resources Institute
This guide offers recommendations, best practices, and real-world examples for state lawmakers, regulators, agencies, utilities, and advocates working to equitably electrify their state's school bus fleet.
Electric School Bus Ownership and Operation Models
About 9,000 buses are registered in Massachusetts. Approximately 75% of buses are large buses (capacity of greater than 30 people) and 25% are small buses and vans (capacity of 30 people or fewer).
Of the more than 6,000 large buses in Massachusetts, almost 80% are owned by third-party bus providers, around 20% are owned and operated by school districts or municipalities, and a small number are leased and operated by school districts.
Transitioning to Electric School Buses (ESBs) looks different for each ownership model. The transition may also prompt school districts to select a different model, as ESBs introduce new operational roles and have different costs compared to traditional buses.
Traditionally, school bus ownership and operations are divided into three roles: Bus Owner, Bus Maintenance Provider, and Bus Operator. ESBs introduce new roles related to charging: Charging Infrastructure Owner and Charging Operator.
Pie Chart illustrating that 80% of school buses are owned and operated by third-party bus providers versus 20% of school buses that are owned and operated by school districts or municipalities.
This illustration describes the traditional and new roles for electric school buses. The bus maintenance provider (illustrated by a wrench and screwdriver). Charging infrastructure owners (illustrated by an electric charging station instead of gas). Bus operator (illustrated by a steering wheel). Bus owner (illustrated by a set of vehicle keys). Charging operator (illustrated by a charging icon).
Currently, school districts or municipalities either hold all three traditional roles or contract them out to a third party. School districts or municipalities that currently own and operate their buses may choose to also own and operate the charging equipment.
Similarly, school districts or municipalities that currently contract out all ownership and operations may choose to add the charging ownership and operations to the contract. However, there are also new “hybrid” models, in which multiple entities are responsible for the various roles.
The most common ESB ownership and operations models include:
Own Buses
School district or municipality owns, maintains, and operates the buses and chargers.
Lease Buses
School district or municipality leases the buses and operates the buses; school district or municipality owns, maintains, and operates the chargers.
Charging-as-a-Service
School district or municipality owns, maintains, and operates the buses and contracts with a third-party for charger ownership, maintenance, and operations.
Transportation-as-a-Service
School district or municipality contracts with a third-party to own, maintain, and operate the buses and chargers.
Turnkey Service
School district or municipality contracts with a third-party to own and maintain both the buses and chargers and the school district operates the buses.
School districts or municipalities that contract with third parties to own and operate the buses may also consider an option in which the charging equipment is owned by and located on the property of the school or municipality but is operated by a third party. This could be a good option to consider where the school buses are currently stored on school or municipal property.
The procurement process will be different for each of these models. You can learn more in the Procurement section.
Examples of Electric School Bus Ownership & Operation Models in Massachusetts:
School District purchases and operates new ESBs and charging infrastructure
Concord Public Schools owns and operates all their buses. Concord was one of the nation’s first adopters of ESBs. They purchased their first ESB and began operating it in 2017. As of 2024, Concord is operating 3 ESBs and is gradually transitioning the remainder of the fleet to ESBs.
School District’s current third-party bus provider electrifies fleet
Lawrence Public Schools has contracted with NRT bus for over 25 years. NRT Bus is purchasing 35 ESBs and building a charging depot for the buses with at least 2 fast chargers. Lawrence received $9.9M from the EPA Clean School Bus Program and $2M from the MassCEC ACT School Bus Fleet Deployment Program.
School district contracts with Transportation-as-a-Service provider
Cohasset Public Schools currently leases and operates their buses. Cohasset is partnering with Enel through their e-Bus-as-a-service model to pilot one turnkey electric bus. The demonstration will help Cohasset plan for the transition of the remaining fleet.
Additional Resources
All About Electric School Bus Business Models
World Resources Institute
This article provides a high-level overview of school transportation business models and the opportunities that electric school buses present to rethink business models.
Electric School Bus Business Model Guide
World Resource Institute
This guide helps school districts identify appropriate business models to support fleet electrification, details the various roles, and shares examples of different business models in action.
Conducting a Fleet Assessment
Conducting a fleet assessment is one of the first steps school districts should take to plan for transitioning to ESBs. A fleet assessment provides school districts and school bus companies with a plan and pathway toward electrification. Fleet assessment providers often also provide ongoing technical assistance and support to pursue additional funding sources.
Data is collected through data collection templates, meetings and informational interviews, and on-the-ground assessments. Data requests can be sent to third-party providers to provide information about the buses and operations.
Examples of data collected and the outputs of a fleet assessment include:
Fleet Assessment Programs
In Massachusetts there are several options for school districts to get no- or low-cost school fleet assessments:
MassCEC’s ACT School Bus Advisory Services Program
Provides no-cost electrification planning support for school districts and third-party bus providers.
Eversource
Offers a no-cost Fleet Assessment and Guidance for publicly owned fleets in their territory, including school buses.
National Grid
Offers a no-cost fleet assessment program for school districts and third-party bus providers with two report options.
The Clean Bus Planning Awards Program
Funded by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), this program connects school bus fleet owners and private operators with technical experts to plan for electrification.
“Do It Yourself” Fleet Assessment Tools and Resources
For school districts and municipalities that are not yet ready to participate in a fleet assessment program or wish to conduct the assessment themselves, there are no-cost “DIY” tools and resources available.
A fleet assessment typically includes some or all of the following:
- Vehicle and charging infrastructure analysis
- Site feasibility studies and designs
- Fueling Cost, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and emissions analyses
- Preparing for and applying for future funding opportunities
- Vehicle and charging station procurement plans
- Stakeholder analysis
- Workforce considerations
- Educational materials
- Ongoing assistance and technical support
Working with Utilities
Electrifying a school bus fleet requires a strong partnership with utilities
Early involvement and ongoing communication are essential throughout the transition. Utilities play a key role in installing chargers and equipment, assessing a site’s electrical needs, and offering utility EV programs and funding to help offset capital and operational costs. However, these assessments and infrastructure deployment often have long lead times.
Reaching out to utilities early and often in the planning phase is crucial
Doing so allows them to evaluate existing infrastructure and capacity. This helps school districts and municipalities to better understand their needs. Utilities may also be able to assist with planning for fleet growth beyond the initial bus procurement without oversizing equipment or incurring excessive capital costs. They may be able to work with school districts and municipalities to install infrastructure that supports future expansion as a school bus fleet grows.
A key part of the pre-planning process is understanding whether there is available electric capacity to serve the ESB charging site. School districts in National Grid and Eversource territory can use the Utility System Data Portals to evaluate whether there is sufficient electrical capacity available to serve the site. These online interactive maps provide visibility into the electric grid distribution system, including information about feeder loading and available hosting capacity, feeder locations, substation source, planning area, and voltage information.
School districts served by Municipal Light Plants should reach out to their utility contact to discuss plans for ESBs.
If a site does not or may not have the capacity readily available, the utilities can perform detailed analyses (for a fee).
Eversource customers should contact their community relations contact and National Grid customers can contact [email protected].
Additional Resources
Power Planner for Electric School Bus Deployment
World Resources Institute
The Power Planner is a tool designed to help prepare for and facilitate discussions with electric utilities regarding the electrification of school bus fleets. This resource focuses on nine essential steps to guide the planning process for transitioning school bus fleets to electric.
Working with Your Utility to Electrify Your School Bus Fleet
World Resource Institute
This guide outlines the importance of working with utilities for school fleet electrification, explaining how, when, and why to involve them in the process.
Coordinating with Electric Utility Partners
Environmental Protection Agency
This resource aims to assist school districts and municipalities in preparing to work with their electric utility.
Working with Electric Utilities
Clean Cities Coalition’s Flipping the Switch Series
This 10-minute video discusses working with your utility when assessing power needs.
Selecting Charging Infrastructure
Selecting charging infrastructure for electric school buses requires an approach that ensures both efficiency and sustainability.
This involves choosing appropriate charger types, transformers, and distribution panels. Ensuring a sufficient power supply to a site may require grid upgrades.
Additionally, software for managing charging schedules and energy use is essential to lowering both the fueling cost and the electric grid upgrade costs.
To ensure the correct charging infrastructure equipment is installed, school districts should plan for both the vehicles and the charging infrastructure in tandem. Ideally, the charging infrastructure should be installed and operational before electric school buses are delivered. Doing so will prevent situations where school buses arrive but cannot be used because the charging infrastructure is not yet ready.
There are two types of electric school bus chargers: Level 2 and Level 3/Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC). Level 2 chargers (sometimes referred to as Alternating Current or AC) provide slower charging speeds at a moderate cost. DCFC chargers provide significantly faster charging, though they are considerably more expensive and may require additional grid upgrades. The following table compares the specifications of Level 2 and DCFC chargers.
Source: NYSERDA – Electric School Bus Guidebook, Guide 3: Charger Purchasing
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Electric-School-Buses/Electric-School-Bus-Guidebook
| Category | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Voltage | 208V / 240V | 480V |
| Charger Speed | Up to 19 kW | 30 kW to 125 kW |
| Charger Time for a 150 kWh Battery | 6 - 11 Hours | 1 - 5 Hours |
Resource: NYSERDA, New York State Electric School Bus Roadmap, Final Report, September 2023
NYSERDA – Electric School Bus Guidebook, Guide 3: Charger Purchasing https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Electric-School-Buses/Electric-School-Bus-Guidebook
In general, Level 2 chargers are well-suited for overnight charging and usually provide sufficient power to fully charge buses during these off-peak hours. On the other hand, DCFC charging is advantageous for bus fleets with long routes, particularly if the routes include challenging conditions (such as steep hills), run during extended cold weather, or require midday charging between morning and afternoon routes. School fleets may use a mix of Level 2 and DCFC chargers to lower costs.
During the fleet assessment, the charging needs of a fleet will be analyzed to determine what speed of charging is needed, referred to as “right sizing” the infrastructure. Many factors influence the choice between Level 2 and DCFC charging, including bus operating schedules, budget, infrastructure capacity, and the vehicle itself.
As site and grid upgrades may be required before either Level 2 or DCFC chargers can be installed, school districts should work with the utility provider in advance to determine whether upgrades are necessary. Additionally, it is crucial to work with the electric school bus dealer and charger manufacturer to ensure that the electric school buses are compatible with the chargers themselves.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Vehicle to everything (V2X) is a collective term used to describe the different “bidirectional” functions that electric school batteries can support. These functions can include vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-building (V2B), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V). Additionally, given their predictable schedules and large battery capacities, electric school buses can serve as mobile backup power sources during grid outages caused by extreme weather or other emergencies, enhancing infrastructure resilience.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, also referred to as “bidirectional charging” for electric school buses refers to a system where vehicles both consume and supply electricity into the grid. When not in use, the energy stored in their batteries can be discharged back into the grid. V2G can lower energy costs for school fleet operations by pulling energy from the grid when electricity prices are lower and using the stored energy during times when electricity prices are higher. This bi-directional energy flow can help reduce energy costs and potentially generate revenue for municipalities and school districts.
V2G is a relatively new technology and has challenges, including high equipment costs, complicated interconnection processes, additional coordination with utilities, and the need for load impact studies. Several school districts are now piloting this technology, and the insights from these early adopters will help improve the technology and processes for future adopters to realize the benefits of V2G.
Sources: NYSERDA – Electric School Bus Guidebook – Guide 3: Charger Purchasing
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Electric-School-Buses/Electric-School-Bus-Guidebook
NYSERDA, New York State Electric School Bus Roadmap, Final Report, September 2023
Illustration represents a school bus parked outside of a school building, plugged into an EV charging station being charged.
Additional Resources
Electric School Bus Charging 101
World Resources Institute
This four-page summary provides a high-level overview of the various types of charging options for school buses.
All About Charging Infrastructure
World Resource Institute
This five-part video series covers the basics of charging infrastructure. The short videos cover topics such as electric utility connections, site power connections, service meters, circuit breaker panels, site optimization, and important factors to consider for charging infrastructure.
Determining Charging Needs and Selecting a Charger
Clean Cities Coalition’s Flipping the Switch Series
This 9-minute video provides an overview of charging infrastructure, determining charging needs, and selecting chargers.
Interconnection Challenges and Solutions
Clean Cities Coalition’s Flipping the Switch Series
This 7-minute video provides an overview of interconnection challenges and solutions.
Charging Best Practices, Incorporating Charge Management, Solar, Battery Storage, and Vehicle-to-Grid
Environmental Protection Agency
This webinar addresses best practices for charging and covers incorporating charge management, solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies into electric school bus projects. Video Recording and Slide Deck
Equipment Overview, Future Proofing, EVSE RFPs, and Best Practices
Environmental Protection Agency
This May 2024 webinar, hosted by the US EPA, provides an overview of equipment, future proofing, EVSE RFPs, and best practices for electric school bus projects. Video Recording and Slide Deck
Vehicle-to-Grid Overview, Barriers, Opportunities
Department of Energy
This 7-minute video provides a summary of Vehicle-to-Grid technologies and highlights both opportunities and barriers as they pertain to electric school buses. Module
Charging Best Practices, Incorporating Charge Management, Solar, Battery Storage, and Vehicle-to-Grid
Environmental Protection Agency
This webinar addresses best practices for charging and covers incorporating charge management, solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies into electric school bus projects. Video Recording and Slide Deck
Advancing Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Adoption
SAFE and Electrification Coalition
This report addresses the necessity of V2G technology, how it can be utilized, what benefits are provided, as well as barriers that limit the scope and scale of deployment. The report also includes policy recommendations that expedite the deployment of both V2G technology and EVs.
V2X Implementation Guide: Implementation Guide and Mutual Aid Agreement Template for Using Vehicle-to-Everything-Enabled Electric School Buses as Mobile Power Unites to Enhance Resilience During Emergencies
SAFE and Electrification Coalition
This guide describes the potential to use V2X-enabled electric school buses as alternative emergency backup power sources during outages.
This catalog includes information on known compatible chargers for many ESB types and models.
Site Selection and Planning
Choosing a school bus depot site is critical and requires evaluating factors such as proximity to minimize additional travel and operational costs, as well as ensuring the location has adequate electrical grid capacity to limit the need for major upgrades (see Working with Utilities).
The location should also provide enough physical space for school bus parking, installation of charging infrastructure (e.g., charging units, transformers, and distribution panels), and room for potential future expansion. School districts should also consider whether the municipality or a third party owns the property, and account for lease lengths when making long-term infrastructure plans. The fleet ownership model is also an important factor in this decision (see Electric School Bus Ownership and Operation Models).
Additional Resources
Electric School Bus Facility Assessment Guide
World Resources Institute
The Electric School Bus Facility Assessment Guide is a toolkit featuring worksheets for school districts and municipalities to perform facility assessments.
Electric School Bus Guidebook – Guide 6: Site Planning,
NYSERDA
This section of the Guidebook identifies important factors to address when planning the electrification of a site for school bus charging.
Workforce Training
Incorporating workforce training is crucial for successfully transitioning to school bus fleets, as the transition requires specialized knowledge in maintenance and operations. Workforce training will ensure safety and compliance, while also advancing efficient and reliable fleet management. Ongoing training will ensure that the workforce stays informed about the latest advancements in this field.
Electric School Bus Training Standards
Electric School Bus Training Standards
World Resources Institute
The Electric School Bus Workforce
Behind the Wheel and Behind the Scenes: The Electric School Bus Workforce
Alliance for Electric School Buses and World Resources Institute
Training (Driver and Technician)
Training (Driver and Technician)
Clean Cities Coalition’s Flipping the Switch Series
Training Plan and Certification
How to Develop a Training Plan and Where to get Certified Training
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Operators and Maintenance Technicians
Reskilling the Workforce: Training Needs for Electric School Bus Operators and Maintenance Technicians
World Resources Institute
Prioritizing Workers
Prioritizing Workers in the Transition to Electric School Buses
World Resources Institute
Training and Development Guidebook
Electric School Bus Guidebook – Workforce Training and Development
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Photo Credit: AdobeStock_591649264
Case Study: Worcester Public Schools
Worcester Public Schools started operating all its own school buses in the 2022-23 school year, ending its previous dependence on a third-party provider.
This shift to in-house transportation operations has resulted in major efficiencies that benefit students and families, resulting in an annual cost savings of $5 million. Improvements include better on-time performance, staffing, optimized routing, and ensuring students get to school safely.
By taking busing in-house, Worcester Public Schools can guarantee drivers 30 hours of work per week, allowing them to qualify as full-time city employees, with access to insurance benefits and the city's pension program.
Worcester Public Schools plans to add 15 electric school buses to its fleet, funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These buses are anticipated to be operational by 2026, following the construction of electric vehicle charging stations and related infrastructure at the Transportation Yard.
Worcester Public Schools – Transportation
Worcester starts year three of in-house busing sporting savings and fully-staffed drivers
Telegram & Gazette, August 22, 2024
Operations, Maintenance, and Safety
EVSE service technician completes the charger commissioning process at a Massachusetts technical school.
Photo Credit: MassCEC
EVSE service technician completes final step in charger commissioning checklist, verifying successful charge sessions.
Photo Credit: MassCEC
Total Cost of Ownership
Electric school buses currently have higher initial costs compared to other types of school buses. However, this cost difference is anticipated to decrease in the coming years as battery costs decline and the electric vehicle market matures. Additionally, electric school buses typically have lower maintenance and fuel expenses over their lifespan, which can help lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of ESBs.
Over the next few years, the TCO of ESBs is expected to reach parity with that of diesel-powered school buses. TCO analyses all current and future capital and operating expenses related to owning an electric school bus. These expenses include the purchase, operation, and maintenance of the bus. Evaluating TCO is a crucial factor when considering the purchase of a new school bus.
Additional Resources
Building the Case for Electric School Buses, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Emissions, and Tools
U.S. EPA
This August 2024 webinar discusses total cost of ownership and emissions calculators to build a case for electric school buses. Video Recording and Slide Deck
All About Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for Electric School Buses
Electric School Bus Initiative
This resource gives an overview of electric school bus TCO considerations and assumptions, presents example TCO scenarios, and provides tools for TCO analysis.
Total Cost of Ownership Calculator for Electric School Buses
World Resources Institute
This calculator allows users to input details about potential electric buses and operations and compare the TCO to that of a comparable diesel bus.
Funding and Financing
There are several grants and programs available to defray the upfront and ongoing costs of deploying electric school buses. School districts should consider all available sources to reduce the costs of electric school buses and charging infrastructure.
Several of these grants and programs are tailored toward or provide additional incentives for disadvantaged communities. Some programs and funding sources can be used together, or “stacked”, while others cannot. Applicants must review the specific program criteria to determine the feasibility of stacking program funding. Users of this resource should validate that the information provided here is still current.
This section is structured according to the key steps in the fleet customer journey: Planning, Utility Infrastructure, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), Electric School Buses (ESB), Federal Tax Credits for EVSE and ESB, and Operating Costs.
Procurement
Municipalities or school districts who directly own or lease their school buses can procure school buses, electric vehicle charging equipment, or enter into an agreement with a turnkey, transportation-as-a-service, or charging-as-a service provider.
Municipalities or school districts who directly own or lease their school buses can procure school buses, electric vehicle charging equipment, or enter into an agreement with a turnkey, transportation-as-a-service, or charging-as-a service provider.
Municipalities and school districts who contract with third-party providers for school bus services can collaborate with their provider to electrify their fleets. Municipalities and school districts should initiate conversations with third-party providers early to plan for electrification. Many third-party providers are interested in and excited about electrification, and early collaboration can help all parties plan for new costs and operational changes, ensuring a smooth and financially feasible transition.
Municipalities and school districts may also explore the options of either contracting with a different third-party provider or elect to forgo contracting with a third-party provider and instead directly own their buses and/or charging equipment.
Procurement through Operational Services Division (OSD) Contracts
Municipalities and school districts can procure electric vehicles, including school buses, and charging infrastructure through the following Operational Services Division (OSD) contracts. OSD can now procure services and infrastructure in a single procurement under MGL c. 7, section 4, subsections 22P (a) and (b).
Combined Procurement of Electric School Buses and Charging Stations
Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024 were signed into law through the March 2024 Supplemental Budget (Chapter 206) contains a provision (Section 4) which updated the municipal procurement statute, MGL c. 30B, by adding a new section 23. This new section enables municipalities to procure electric school buses and charging infrastructure together.
Template Request for Proposals and Guidance Document for the Procurement of a Turnkey Electric School Bus Service
MAPC developed a template request for proposals (RFP) and Guidance Document for the procurement of a turnkey electric school bus service.
School Bus Model Types, Specifications, and Costs
The 2024 Electric School Bus Market Study offers a detailed overview of the electric school bus market and the Buyer’s Guide lists the electric school bus models currently available, along with detailed specifications. These resources aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the electric school bus market and the available offerings.
Connecting with Peers and Experts
Connect with other school districts who have worked or are currently working to electrify their school fleets through the Electric School Bus Forum, organized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
Join the Electric School Bus Network's bi-monthly forums to gain insights, receive updates, and connect with other districts passionately electrifying their school bus fleets.
Speak with an expert from the World Resources Institute's (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative to get technical assistance and guidance for electrifying your school fleet.
MetroWest School Fleet Electrification Study
MAPC’s Transportation and Clean Energy Departments conducted a MetroWest School Fleet Electrification Study, which explored pathways for electrifying school bus fleets in 22 school districts, primarily in MetroWest.
MAPC collected school bus data from the 22 school districts in September-October 2023 by administering a survey. The summary of the survey findings includes data on general characteristics of the school districts and current bus fleets, ownership models, bus depots, electric school bus programs, and interest in regional collaboration.
This initiative supported these school districts in planning their transition to electric buses and identified available funding opportunities. As part of this study, MAPC held a series of monthly workshops between January and June 2024 for the participating school districts.
These workshops covered various topics that included ownership models, fleet assessments, charging infrastructure and site selection, funding and financing, and procurement. Speakers included representatives from local municipalities who shared their experiences with adopting electric school buses, along with speakers from National Grid, school bus vendors, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and the World Resources Institute.
Workshop Topics and Presentation Slides:
The School Districts:
Acton/Boxborough
Ashland
Concord
Dedham
Dover-Sherborn
Framingham
Harvard
Holliston
Hopkinton
Lexington
Lincoln
Marlborough
Medfield
Millis
Natick
Needham
Northborough-Southborough
Wayland
Wellesley
Westborough
Weston
Westwood
Future Considerations for Electric School Buses
Prioritize Electrifying School Buses that Transport METCO Students
METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) is a school integration program that enrolls Boston students in grades K-10 in participating suburban public schools to help reduce racial isolation. Approximately 3,150 students attend 190 schools across 33 school districts in Massachusetts. METCO does not manage contracts for school bus services; this responsibility belongs to the individual school district or municipality. MAPC recommends that municipalities and school districts participating in METCO prioritize electrifying the school buses that transport these students as part of their school fleet electrification plans. Since these buses travel longer distances, using electric school buses for these routes can significantly reduce air pollution and lessen adverse health impacts on the students.
Establish State Policy Commitments and Dedicated Funding for School Bus Electrification
In 2021, Massachusetts adopted California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which mandates that manufacturers sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles starting with model year 2025. Under this rule, 75% of sales for class 4-8 straight truck sales, which includes school buses, will need to be zero-emission by model year 2035.
Several states that have adopted California’s ACT rule have set requirements or targets for transitioning to electric school buses, including California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, and Washington. Furthermore, other states, such as Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, have dedicated funding for electric school buses.
To accelerate the transition to electric school buses, it is crucial to have policy commitments that specify requirements or targets for electrification, along with dedicated funding. Both commitments can facilitate the adoption process and provide municipalities, school districts, and manufacturers with clear guidance on the market's direction.
Sources:
Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program
Electric School Bus US Market Study, World Resources Institute, August 2024.
Electric School Buses Win Big in US State Legislative Sessions, World Resources Institute, January 26, 2022.
MAPC developed this School Bus Electrification Roadmap as part of this study to share learnings and resources with all Massachusetts municipalities and school districts.
The School Bus Electrification Roadmap aligns with the recommendations adopted in the regional plan MetroCommon 2050, including accelerating the transition to a clean energy future and decarbonizing the building and transportation sectors.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude and acknowledgment to the following organizations for their contributions to the development of this resource: Eversource, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Highland Electric Fleets, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), National Grid, Operational Services Division (OSD), and the World Resources Institute.