MAPLETON, N.D. – Most school buses are still powered by diesel engines. But some states, including North Dakota, are in the process of switching to electric fleets.
With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, school systems can seek federal grants and rebates to buy electric buses.
The Mapleton School District recently began running the electric bus it obtained through the federal program. Superintendent Jenna Farkas says their small district has a tiny fleet but thinks the change could still have a big impact. Since the district only runs one bus, it makes sense to run an electric bus and save money, as well as hopefully the maintenance. She says they’ll keep their oldest diesel model as a backup.
The Harvey School District was also among the recent funding recipients.
Susan Mudd, of the Midwest-based Environmental Law and Policy Center, says it’s encouraging to see this activity, knowing the benefits that come with it. She says the children or the riders on buses, including the drivers, will experience zero tailpipe emissions, which they now do because of fumes that often get into buses.
Mudd acknowledges there are still upfront cost barriers to getting electric buses.
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