In the United States, over 20 million students rely on school buses for daily transportation, logging more than 7 billion trips annually. Yet, more than 90% of these buses are powered by diesel, a known carcinogen linked to respiratory illnesses, cognitive issues, and environmental harm. Communities of color and low-income families face disproportionate exposure to these pollutants, exacerbating health and social inequities. The harmful impact of diesel exhaust on children’s health has spurred a nationwide push toward electric school buses (ESBs), which offer zero tailpipe emissions, improved air quality, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Stephen H. Crolius, a trailblazer in climate action and the former Director of Ports for the Clinton Climate Initiative, spearheaded the effort to electrify school buses in the U.S. Under his leadership, the electric school bus program has evolved from a pilot initiative into a billion-dollar movement funded by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program (CSBP). By targeting underserved communities, Crolius and initiatives like the World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative have ensured equitable access to clean transportation, prioritizing school districts with high poverty levels, Tribal schools, and communities suffering from the worst pollution levels.
As of October 2024, the U.S. boasts over 12,000 committed electric school buses, with nearly 5,000 already delivered or in operation. The EPA’s CSBP has funded 67% of these buses, distributing awards to districts serving 16 million students. Electric school buses offer significant cost savings. On average, districts save $6,000 annually per bus in fuel and maintenance costs. Over a bus's lifetime, these savings can exceed $100,000. Additionally, ESBs contribute to climate goals by reducing GHG emissions by half compared to diesel buses, even when accounting for electricity generation.
The Clean School Bus Program is part of the White House’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring at least 40% of federal funding benefits disadvantaged communities. Many states, including California, Maryland, and New York, have enacted zero-emission school bus mandates, further accelerating progress.
Replacing diesel buses with ESBs improves more than air quality. Studies link lower exposure to air pollution with increased student test scores, comparable to the benefits of having more experienced teachers. Reducing GHG emissions through ESBs also helps combat climate change, securing a healthier future for all.
Despite significant strides, challenges remain. High upfront costs, limited grid infrastructure, and supply chain bottlenecks hinder rapid adoption in some districts. Programs like the EPA’s CSBP, state funding initiatives, and innovative financing options, including partnerships with utilities, are helping to bridge these gaps. For example, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows ESBs to return energy to the grid, potentially saving districts thousands annually. In San Diego, the Ramona Unified School District’s ESBs are projected to earn $7,200 per bus each year by supporting grid stability.
With an additional $1 billion in CSBP funding set for 2025, the momentum for electric school bus adoption continues to grow.
Crolius and the WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative are committed to supporting underserved districts with technical assistance and funding guidance to ensure a fair transition to clean transportation.
Every child deserves a healthy ride to school — and the electric school bus revolution is making it possible.
