NEWARK, Del. — Recent research from the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment shows that electric school buses that feed the power grid could save school districts millions of dollars and reduce diesel fume exposure, according to UDaily.

The study, “A Cost Benefit Analysis of a V2G-Capable Electric School Bus compared to a Traditional Diesel School Bus,” examined the cost-effectiveness of electric school buses that use vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, discharging their batteries into the power grid when not in use and getting paid for the service. The study is available online here.

Researchers analyzed diesel school bus routes in a mid-sized suburban school district in Delaware and calculated the costs and benefits of V2G-capable electric bus replacements. Over 14 years, which is the typical lifespan of a bus, according to the research, a V2G electric bus fleet could save an estimated $38 million. The research took into account fuel, electricity and battery costs, as well as pollution-related healthcare expenses and other factors.

Choosing a V2G-capable electric bus over a diesel bus would save a school district $6,070 per bus seat, or $230,000 per bus, over the vehicle’s 14-year lifespan, according to the research.

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