Electrifying education: Exploring the electrification potential of U.S. School bus fleets

Jonas, Tim; Borlaug, Brennan; Bruchon, Matthew; Wood, Eric

doi:10.1016/j.trd.2025.104801

Electrifying education: Exploring the electrification potential of U.S. School bus fleets

Journal Article · Sat May 10 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Transportation Research. Part D, Transport and Environment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2025.104801· OSTI ID:2572603

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

We analyze the operations of 270 diesel school buses across the United States to assess their electrification potential and evaluate the impact of various charging strategies on electricity demand. We find that school buses typically follow a two-route schedule on weekdays, featuring extended dwell times between morning and evening trips. Weekday trip distances average 25 miles, while weekend trips average 42 miles. Charging simulations indicate over 90% of the U.S. school bus fleet could be electrified using current technologies (300-mile range at 1.21 kWh/mile with 19.2-kW depot charging) without modifying existing operating patterns. Depot charging is a key enabler of school bus electrification, however, the strategic placement of charging stations at other locations (e.g., schools) can further increase electrification potential. Additionally, we find electric school bus charging to be highly flexible, with charge management capable of reducing peak charging loads at depots by up to 77%.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 2572603

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA--5400-91260

Journal Information:: Transportation Research. Part D, Transport and Environment, Journal Name: Transportation Research. Part D, Transport and Environment Vol. 144; ISSN 1361-9209

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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