In recent years, electric school buses have dominated the conversation as the only path to sustainable student transportation. Electrification will continue to play a big role in how we transform our transportation system, but we believe that it is not a silver bullet. There are other technologies and domestic energy choices that reduce harmful emissions and operational costs.

This isn’t to say that electric buses don’t have their place, but a “one size fits all” approach is flawed. EV technology and infrastructure are a long way from being commercially viable without the help of significant federal and state incentives.

Beyond the cost of the technology and infrastructure, there are other challenges that the industry must tackle before it can become a mainstream solution for school buses and commercial trucks.

• Can the grid handle the additional demand? With the growing energy demand for emerging tech like AI, where does the capacity for school bus transportation rank?
• With an aging school bus fleet, how do we pay for the 3-4 times incremental cost of an EV bus?
• How clean is the grid? While it varies by state, solutions like propane have a lower overall carbon intensity score than EVs.
• As the frequency of natural disasters increases, we need multiple solutions to ensure the resiliency of our transportation needs.
• As battery electric vehicle volumes grow, how do we tax their use of our infrastructure so reinvestment can occur? Once this happens, how does it affect the total cost of ownership model?
• Regarding supply chain maturity, where are we getting the raw materials for batteries, and do we have a domestic supply?
• What is the long-term viability of some of the technology providers? Over the last 12 months, several companies have exited the EV space, leaving customers stranded with no support.

These are just a few examples of “opportunities” that must be addressed for battery electric technology to become more commercially viable.

Now for the bright side. As EV technology matures, there are other proven solutions that school districts can lean on to reduce harmful emissions and operating costs. Propane is one of those solutions. 

Today, more than 1.9 million kids will ride to and from school safely on a propane school bus. More than 1,100 districts across North America have transitioned to Blue Bird propane buses, accumulating more than 2 billion miles. These districts operate in cold weather, hot weather, and high altitudes. Plus, these propane buses provide a range comparable to diesel. We have a growing list of customers who are saving as much as $3,700 per propane bus per year, providing a total cost of ownership that can’t be matched by diesel or any of the emerging technologies.

Virginia’s Newport News Public Schools operates 153 propane buses — almost 50% of its bus fleet. Using propane buses has saved the district more than $2 million in fuel and parts, with a cost-saving of at least $0.25 per mile driven. Its propane buses are 90% cleaner in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than the EPA’s strictest standards and 99% cleaner than older diesel models.

There is also an emerging supply of renewable propane. With a carbon intensity five times lower than diesel, it showcases a pathway for fleets to significantly reduce their carbon footprint as the scrutiny around emissions reduction continues. 

The key sentiment here is that electric buses, while promising, still have a long way to go to become commercially viable. With or without funding, propane school buses are a way to dramatically reduce emissions and costs, creating a situation where kids (and parents) are breathing easier and taxpayers are satisfied.

About the Author: Todd Mouw is executive vice president for ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology. Mouw has served as president of the NTEA Green Truck Association. To learn more, call 800.59.ROUSH or visit ROUSHcleantech.com.