As you might know, electric vehicles (EVs) are a hot topic of discussion today. These vehicles are environmentally friendly, quiet, and economical. The question is whether commercial vehicles like buses can provide similar benefits to a larger number of people via mass transportation.
Let’s take a look at what electric buses are, how they operate, and their advantages to see why they’re rising in popularity.
An electric bus is an electric vehicle powered by electricity rather than gasoline, diesel, or other fuel types. Although some electric buses, such as trollies, use an external electricity source, modern models have large electricity storage capacities or batteries onboard. Some hybrid models combine an internal combustion engine (ICE), like a diesel ICE, with an electric motor and battery.
However, fully electric buses are growing more popular daily. Research shows that the electric bus market is projected to reach approximately $53 billion by 2027, representing a compound annual growth of 9.5%. Also, electric school bus adoption continues growing, with about 12,720 committed electric buses in 38 states.
Some of the top reasons for electric bus adoption are the shift toward emissions regulations on federal and state levels and the tremendous benefits electric buses offer, the latter of which we’ll explore below.
All-electric buses or battery electric vehicles use electrical energy from the power grid, which is stored in a rechargeable battery to power the electric motor. Like most electronic devices, the vehicle is connected to a power outlet or charging station for electricity supply, and both alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging stations exist.
However, because batteries are charged with DC power, most electric buses have built-in AC to DC converters, commonly called onboard charges or systems. The onboard system receives the AC power from the charging unit and converts it to DC power, which is then sent to the bus battery. DC charging stations change the AC to DC, bypass the onboard system and send the power through the battery management system directly.
The comprehensive range of benefits of electric buses includes the following:
ICEs are well-known for their environmental hazards. These engines release pollutants into the atmosphere, which affect the climate and cause health risks. For this reason, the Clean Air Act was enacted to regulate the emission of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen (NOX), sulfur dioxide, lead, particulate matter, and ground-level zone from stationary and mobile sources.
Electric vehicles eliminate these concerns. They have zero tailpipe emissions and are generally cleaner than gasoline and diesel engines. Investing in electric buses reduces your carbon footprint and the risks associated with respiratory, cognitive, and other health issues. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions improves quality of life.
Though EV technology is advanced, electric motors are more straightforward in structure than traditional engines. ICEs have more parts than EVs, including radiators, turbochargers, and exhaust systems. These added components are unnecessary in electric vehicles. Therefore, there’s no need for smog testing, engine filter changes, engine oil changes, coils and spark plug replacements, and transmission maintenance.
Further, the brakes in electric buses last longer due to regenerative braking technology, which reduces the wear and tear of the brakes and brake pads. The mechanism also captures kinetic energy from the braking and converts it into electrical energy to charge the batteries, which helps you save money on charging and extends range.
Although acquisition price may be higher, it’s less expensive to own and maintain electric transit or school buses for three main reasons:
Besides being environmentally friendly, electric vehicles are quiet and help reduce noise pollution. The reason is simple — they don’t use combustion engines. ICEs emit more decibels at miles per hour when compared with electric vehicles, meaning diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles cause more noise pollution.
The quiet nature of an electric bus increases driver awareness and allows passengers to have a relaxing and enjoyable ride, which is especially advantageous for passengers with special needs. Further, it helps reduce noise levels in areas surrounding the bus route, contributing to quieter, more peaceful communities.
Most electric buses come with in-built technology beyond what you’ll get in traditional vehicles. For example, besides the zero emissions technology and quiet operations, the C2 Electric Jouley from Rohrer Bus allows you to track, manage, and conduct diagnostics in real-time. These innovative technologies improve convenience and safety for your drivers, passengers, and technicians.
Common challenges of using electric buses include:
Typically, the average price of an electric bus is higher than a combustion bus. This is especially true when it comes to buses with larger batteries.
However, with the steady drop in prices of electric buses over the past few years and the increased incentives, the price difference is not expected to stay notable for long. Additionally, electric buses save you money in the long run due to minimal maintenance needs and zero fuel costs.
It’s true that typically, EV’s don’t get the range that ICE powered vehicles do. However, unlike consumer vehicles, commercial and school buses usually have fixed route operations. Commercial and school buses have the ability to charge at their home terminal at optimal times, which eliminates range anxiety for most customers.
Additionally, rapid improvement in battery technology is expected to further increase vehicle range. Today, buses can have up to 244-kilowatt per hour battery capacity and a 138-mile operating range.
Electric buses are growing in popularity, especially among the educational and transit sectors. Switching to a fleet of electric buses can help you make a positive environmental impact, save money on fuel costs and experience numerous other notable benefits. The important thing is acquiring a reliable vehicle from a trusted dealer that can meet your daily needs.
Rohrer Bus has offered transportation solutions to schools, local businesses, government agencies and individuals for over 100 years. We understand your demands and are ready to help you make the best decision. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your fleet go electric.
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