Electric School Bus 101

Benefits of Electric School Buses

• No tailpipe emissions! Buses powered by internal combustion engines produce NO_X, VOC, and other emissions, all of which can have negative health effects.
• Electric school buses are quieter, creating a safer environment for students and bus drivers while riding and a peaceful neighborhood for parents.
• Electric vehicles can increase domestic energy security. This is especially true in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, as electricity consumed in Dallas-Fort Worth is generated at power plants located in Texas through a variety of fuel sources.
• Electric vehicles have lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally fueled vehicles, even when accounting for the electricity produced for charging, emissions from manufacturing, and end-of-life bus and battery disposal. See additional information on the EPA’s Electric Vehicle Myths webpage.
• Compared to conventional diesel school buses, electric school buses have lower maintenance costs and lower fuel costs. The maintenance savings are due to electric school buses having fewer moving parts and no oil, filter, or coolant changes. The fuel costs savings are due to electricity having a lower and more stable price. According to the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) tool, an electric school bus traveling 10,000 miles a year will have an annual fuel and maintenance cost of $4,862 and a diesel school bus will have an annual fuel and maintenance cost of $7,788.

Considerations of Electric School Buses

• Electric school buses are more expensive than conventional school buses. Depending on the model of bus, an electric school bus can cost anywhere between $200,000 to $400,00. However, there are several grants available to assist in the acquisition of electric school buses (see Funding below), and school districts can use a purchasing cooperative (Co-Op) to purchase electric school buses for a lower price (see Cooperatives below). Through combining grants with an electric school bus’s lower maintenance and fuel costs, the total cost of ownership for an electric school bus can be the same as a diesel school bus.
• While most electric school buses have a range of over 100 miles on a single charge, this range may not be adequate for all routes.
• Electric school buses require charging infrastructure, which can vary in cost depending on the number and type of charging infrastructure and the installation cost. School districts should contact their utility 6 to 18 months before vehicle deployment with information on the number and type of charging infrastructure, the number of vehicles and their battery capacity, the location of the charging infrastructure, and any future electrification plans. Contact cleancities@nctcog.org for a local utility contact in your jurisdiction.

Electric School Bus Resources

• DFWCC Electric School Bus Webinar Series
  • In 2020, DFWCC hosted a three-part webinar series on electric school buses. This webinar series included presentations from electric school bus manufacturers, information on how to work with your utility, and more. Go to our Youtube channel, NCTCOGtrans, and search Electric School Bus Webinar to find the recordings.
• The Alternative Fuel Data Center’s (AFDC)  “Flipping the Switch on Electric School Buses” Technical Assistance Series
  • The AFDC has developed an 8-part series to provide technical assistance to school districts interested in adopting electric school buses. Topics covered include the benefits of electric school buses, electric utilities, vehicle requirements, charging infrastructure, infrastructure planning and solutions, vehicle in-use performance, driver and technician training, and cost factors.
• Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Study on Electric School Buses
  • In 2020, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tasked the Texas A&M Transportation Institute with conducting a literature review and industry scan of electric school buses to proactively assist school districts in their efforts toward researching and/or implementing electric school bus use.
• The World Resource Institute (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative
  •  WRI received funds from the Bezos Earth Fund to assist in electrifying U.S. school buses by 2030 and has developed resources/technical assistance for school districts to assist in this process.
• Knox County Electric School Bus Blog
  • Knox County R-I School District in Knox County, Missouri, has a website on their 2021 electric school bus pilot project. They have documented the benefits of electric buses, issues and lessons learned, and have provided data detailing the cost savings of operating the electric school bus compared to diesel school buses.
• White Plains School District Case Study
  • Durham School Services, Live Green, and White Plains School District partnered to record a live case study for school districts interested in electric school buses.
• The Alternative Fuel Data Center’s Electric Page
  • The Alternative Fuel Data Center’s electric page has information on the basics of electricity as a fuel type, the benefits and considerations, available vehicle models, and laws and incentives.

Propane School Bus 101

Benefits of Propane School Buses

• According to the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool, a 2020 propane bus reduces up to 95 percent NO_x emissions compared to a comparable 2020 diesel bus, benefiting both students and drivers.
• Some propane engines are certified to meet the California Air Resources Board’s optional low NO_x standards of 0.02 g/bhp-hr, 0.05 g/bhp-hr, or 0.10 g/bhp-hr. Vehicle projects powered by engines certified to meet a CARB Low-NO_x standard often are funded at a higher funding level than projects with engines that meet the Environmental Protection Agency NO_x emission standard (0.20 g/bhp-hr).
• According to the Department of Energy, propane buses have lower maintenance costs and a longer engine life due to propane’s high-octane rating, and its low-carbon and low-oil-contamination characteristics. According to AFLEET, a propane school bus traveling 10,000 miles a year will have an annual fuel and maintenance cost of $7,110 and a diesel school bus will have an annual fuel and maintenance cost of $7,788.
• Propane buses are quieter, allowing for easier communication between drivers and passengers.
• Conventionally fueled vehicles can often be converted by qualified system retrofitters to operate on propane.
• Operating propane school buses reduces the emissions impact from cold starts due to propane being completely gaseous when entering the engine’s combustion chambers.
• Propane is available in most parts of Texas, and is usually domestically produced, increasing energy security.
• Propane infrastructure generally costs less than other alternative fuel infrastructure.
• 

Considerations when Operating Propane

• According to the Department of Energy, propane vehicles usually have lower fuel economy than diesel or gasoline vehicles, requiring more gallons of propane to operate. According to AFLEET, diesel vehicles average 8.2 miles per gallon, and propane school buses average 6.8 miles per diesel gallon equivalent. However, the lower cost of propane tends to offset the additional gallons needed. Fleets may have to use a diesel school bus for longer trips to areas where propane is not accessible.
• Technicians may need additional training to provide in-house maintenance and repair to propane vehicles.
• Propane vehicles tend to be slightly more expensive than conventional diesel vehicles, however, according to AFLEET, the total cost of ownership of a propane school bus is lower than its diesel counterparts due to propane costing less than diesel.
• Fleets will have to install fueling infrastructure, and possibly update their facility to accommodate the infrastructure.

Propane School Bus Resources   

• Propane Education and Resource Council
  • The Propane Education and Resource Council (PERC) has developed resources for school districts.
• Autogas Answers Event
  • In 2020, DFWCC and PERC hosted an Autogas Answers webinar. This webinar featured a panel of propane industry experts and end users presenting the benefits of propane and funding available to Independent School Districts interested in incorporating propane into their fleet.
    • Recording
    • Presentation
• The Alternative Fuel Data Center’s Propane Page
  • The AFDC has several resources to assist school districts in transitioning to propane.

Compressed Natural Gas School Bus 101

Benefits of CNG School Buses

• According to the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool, a 2020 compressed natural gas (CNG) bus reduces up to 95 percent NO_x emissions compared to a comparable 2020 diesel bus. Reducing NO_x benefits both the student and driver by reducing exposure to less harmful emissions. CNG vehicles also reduce VOC emissions.
• Some CNG engines are certified to meet the California Air Resources Board’s optional low NO_x standards of 0.02 g/bhp-hr, 0.05 g/bhp-hr, or 0.10 g/bhp-hr. Vehicle projects powered by engines certified to meet a CARB Low-NO_x standard often are funded at a higher funding level than projects with engines that meet the EPA NOx emission standard (0.20 g/bhp-hr).

• Public CNG refueling is available across Texas.
• Conventionally fueled vehicles can often be converted by qualified system retrofitters to operate on CNG.

Considerations of CNG School Buses

• According to the Department of Energy, CNG school buses usually have lower fuel economy than diesel or gasoline school buses, requiring more gallons of compressed natural gas to operate. According to the AFLEET, diesel school buses average of 8.2 miles per gallon, and CNG school buses average 7.0 miles per diesel gallon equivalent. However, the lower cost of CNG tends to offset the additional gallons needed. Fleets may have to use a diesel school bus for longer trips to areas where CNG is not accessible.
• Since CNG vehicles use spark plugs to ignite, and CNG is more sensitive to spark quality and voltage, it is important that all parts of the ignition system are properly maintained and protected from heat and damage.
• CNG vehicles tend to be more expensive than conventional diesel vehicles, but according to AFLEET, the total cost of ownership of a CNG school bus is similar to its diesel counterparts due to CNG's lower fuel costs.   
• Operating CNG buses will likely require the installation of fast-fill CNG infrastructure, which can be expensive to install.
• Technicians may need additional training to provide in-house maintenance and repair to CNG vehicles.
• Facilities may need to be upgraded or modified to safely accommodate CNG vehicle maintenance and repair. View the Alternative Fuel Data Center’s (AFDC) Natural Gas Vehicle and Maintenance Safety webpage for information on how to accommodate CNG maintenance and repair.

Resources for CNG School Buses

• The AFDC has several resources to assist fleets in transitioning to compressed natural gas on their Natural Gas Webpage.
  • Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility Modifications Handbook
  • Natural Gas Safety
  • Filling a CNG Tank
  • Costs Associated with Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Fueling Infrastructure
• The American Gas Association’s CNG Infrastructure Guide
  • The American Gas Association’s CNG Infrastructure Guide provides information about the components of fueling stations, site plans, and more.
• NGV America
  • NGV America provides information on available vehicles, fueling, and more.

Biodiesel 101

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel vehicles or any equipment that operates on diesel fuel. Biodiesel can be blended with regular diesel and used in many different concentrations.

Biodiesel Blends:

Benefits of Biodiesel:

• The amount of emissions reduced from biodiesel will vary depending on the blend of biodiesel and the emission standard of the vehicle utilizing biodiesel. When using biodiesel in a new diesel engine, the criteria pollutant reduction, including NO_X and VOC, is minimal. However, biodiesel can have significant emissions reduction when used in older diesel vehicles.
• Utilizing biodiesel instead of conventional diesel reduces petroleum usage.
• Utilizing biodiesel typically has no impact on the fuel economy of a vehicle.  
• Biodiesel improves the fuel lubricity of diesel and has a higher cetane number than conventional diesel.
• Biodiesel is safer and less combustible.
• Biodiesel is produced in the United States, increasing domestic security.

Considerations for Biodiesel  

• Not all engines are compatible with all blends of biodiesel. Before using biodiesel, check your engine warranty to ensure higher level blends will not void or affect it. All manufacturers accept the use of B5 and most accept the use of B20. To view a list of manufacturers accepting biodiesel, check the National Biodiesel Board’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Statement Summary Chart.
• Fleets will have to decide on purchasing pre-blended biodiesel or purchasing blending hardware to do it on-site. Use the Alternative Fuel Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator to look for local biodiesel stations.

• Gelling and freezing may be an issue in cold temperatures. However, this issue can be avoided by utilizing a fuel additive or by phasing out biodiesel during cold months.
• B100 has a solvent effect and can release deposits that can result in clogged filters. Therefore, fleets operating a higher blend of biodiesel may need to plan for increased filter changes.

Biodiesel Resources

• Biodiesel Case Studies
  • School districts in New Hampshire and Missouri have seen success operating biodiesel.
• AFDC’s Center’s Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide
  • The Alternative Fuel Data Center has released a biodiesel handling and use guide to assist entities in adopting biodiesel.
• National Biodiesel Board
  • A national trade association supporting sustainable biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel industry growth.
• National Biodiesel Board’s OEM Statement Summary Chart.
  • This website allows users to assess which vehicle models are capable of using biodiesel blends above B5 under warranty.
• White Paper - Lower Cost and Lower Emissions of Biodiesel Add Up
  • The Renewable Energy Group has released a free white paper on the fuel and emissions savings from biodiesel.

Funding Resources

• NCTCOG Air Quality Funding Page
  • NCTCOG maintains a list of open funding to assist in the replacement and retrofitting of vehicles.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Texas Clean School Bus Program
  • The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides funding for replacing or retrofitting diesel school buses.
• School Bus Rebates: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)
  • The Environmental Protection Agency provides funding for replacements or retrofits of diesel school buses.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program Funding​
  • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $5 billion for a Clean School Bus Program to be administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sourcewell, via Texas SHARE

TXShare is a cooperative procurement program operated by NCTCOG that is free for local Texas governments and Independent School Districts.  TXShare participants are automatically eligible to access Sourcewell contracts through NCTCOG’s relationship with Sourcewell, as well as take advantage of the custom-cooperative contract options available with TXShare. Sourcewell offers a variety of alternative fuel school buses, as well as EV charging stations. To see if your organization is already a participating entity, go here. If your organization is not an participating entity, the organization should first sign an Interlocal Agreement to be eligible to purchase from North Texas SHARE. To see available fleet vehicles, go here.
 

HGAC Buy

HGAC Buy is a nationwide, government procurement service that assists governmental entities in the procurement process. To find the list of school buses available for purchase, go here.
 

Climate Mayors Collaborative

Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of more than 470 U.S. mayors committed to creating real climate action. One of the Climate Mayors initiatives is their Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative. To view the electric vehicles available for purchase, go here.
 

BuyBoard

The BuyBoard purchasing cooperative is open to all Texas local governments, nonprofits, school districts that are a member of the Texas Association of School Boards, and any other political subdivisions in the state. For information on how to make a purchase, go here.

Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool

The AFLEET tool can be used to calculate the potential savings and emissions reduction from transitioning to alternative fuels.
 

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Homepage

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new Clean School Bus homepage with information on the EPA’s school bus funding and the benefits of alternative fuel school buses.
 

Alternative Fuel Data Center (AFDC)

• AFDC Vehicle Search - The AFDC maintains a list of alternative fuel and electric vehicles available to purchase.
• AFDC Station Availability - AFDC tracks publicly available alternative fueling infrastructure and can assist in route planning.
• AFDC School Transportation Webpage - The AFDC has created a list of available alternative fuel school buses and resources for schools interested in alternative fuels.
• AFDC’s Laws and Incentive Tool - There can be financial incentives for operating alternative fuel vehicles.

National Clean Diesel Campaign: Clean School Bus

The Environmental Protection Agency has developed several resources to assist school districts in reducing emissions.
 

Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition

The DFWCC webpage provides information on initiatives and resources supporting the reduction of transportation energy use and improved air quality.
 

Texas Department of Public Safety Specifications for School Buses

Check here to ensure all alternative fuel school buses meet the Texas Department of Public Safety’s specifications for school buses.