Mercedes Mullins
Buses have traditionally been powered by fossil fuels, with diesel being the most common fuel type. However, with the rise of electric vehicles and the push for decarbonization in the transportation sector, the adoption of electric buses is increasing. Electric buses offer zero tailpipe emissions and reduced maintenance costs compared to their diesel counterparts, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run. While the upfront investment for electric buses is higher, the transition to electric bus systems is being accelerated by government incentives and rebates, such as the EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary energy source | Diesel and biodiesel |
| Alternative energy sources | Battery electric technology, hydrogen fuel, natural gas, hybrid diesel-electric |
| Pros of diesel | Maximum flexibility for changing routes, cheaper upfront costs |
| Cons of diesel | Dangerous tailpipe emissions, linked to childhood asthma and health risks, high maintenance costs |
| Pros of electric buses | Zero tailpipe emissions, significant cost savings over time, supported by incentive programs |
| Cons of electric buses | Higher upfront costs, reduced driving range in extreme climates |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel and biodiesel are predominant fuels for buses
Diesel fuel has several advantages over other fuels, including greater range and maximum flexibility for changing routes, servicing, and expanding into new areas without being limited by installation costs or fuel network access. However, diesel fuel is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels, which will eventually be depleted. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and pollutants such as soot, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, which are harmful to human health.
Diesel-powered buses have been linked to an increase in childhood asthma and other significant health risks, particularly among students of color and those with disabilities who are disproportionately exposed to diesel exhaust. As a result, electric school buses are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 8,675 currently in operation across 1,132 school districts in the United States. Electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions and significantly lower maintenance costs, resulting in lifetime cost savings of over $100,000 compared to diesel buses.
While electric buses have higher upfront costs, they offer long-term savings due to reduced maintenance and fuel expenses. However, the transition to electric buses is slow, with only 1% of the total school bus fleet in the United States being electric as of 2024. Government incentives and rebates, such as the EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program, have played a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of electric buses, with 49 states making commitments to transition to electric bus systems.
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Electric buses are rising in popularity
The traditional school bus has been an iconic symbol of student life, with millions of students relying on them daily. These buses have typically been powered by diesel, which has been linked to harmful tailpipe emissions, including nitrogen oxide, contributing to childhood asthma and other health risks.
However, electric buses are rising in popularity as a sustainable alternative. Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen a surge in demand, with over 10 million sold in 2022. This trend is now extending to the electrification of school transportation. Electric school buses offer zero tailpipe emissions, reduced maintenance costs, and lower operational expenses, providing a safer and healthier experience for students.
Despite the high upfront costs of electric buses, school districts can expect substantial long-term savings. The EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program has recognized this potential, awarding over $900 million to promote electric school bus adoption. This initiative has already provided 2,300 electric buses to 365 school districts, with 49 states making electric bus commitments.
While electric buses face challenges in extreme climates due to energy demands for heating or cooling, the broader shift towards electrification is supported by various incentive programs. Transit agencies must consider the electricity generation methods in their states, as over half of electricity in the US is still derived from fossil fuels, primarily natural gas and coal. Nevertheless, the electric power sector has set a net-zero power generation goal by 2035, and electric buses are poised to play a significant role in achieving broader climate objectives.
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Fossil fuels cause harmful emissions
Fossil fuels are formed from the decomposition of carbon-based organisms that died millions of years ago. They are non-renewable and currently supply around 80% of the world's energy. Oil, coal, and gas serve about 80% of our energy needs, according to the US Energy Information Administration. They are also used to make plastics, chemicals, steel, and a huge range of products.
The burning of fossil fuels releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Carbon emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in average global temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that emissions from fossil fuels are the dominant cause of global warming. The effects of climate change include sea level rise, extreme weather, biodiversity loss, species extinction, food scarcity, and worsening health and poverty for millions worldwide.
Fossil fuel combustion also emits toxic pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde, which have been linked to serious health issues such as childhood leukemia, blood disorders, and cancer. According to a 2017 study, 17.6 million Americans are exposed daily to toxic air pollution from active oil and gas wells, transport, and processing facilities. Fossil fuel companies are huge polluters, producing and selling fossil fuel products while scientists advocate for a mass switch to renewable energy.
In the context of buses, diesel and biodiesel are the predominant fuel sources for transit buses, followed by natural gas and hybrid diesel electric. Diesel engines provide flexibility for changing routes and service runs, but they contribute to urban air pollution. Alternative fuels and technologies, such as battery electric and hydrogen-fueled options, are becoming available and supported by incentive programs. While electric buses have no tailpipe emissions, it is important to consider that, in most states, significant emissions are generated from burning fossil fuels at electric power plants.
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Biofuels are blended with diesel
Biofuels, including biodiesel, are indeed blended with diesel fuel. In 2022, biofuels consumption accounted for about 6% of the total US transportation sector energy consumption, with biodiesel accounting for 9% of this. Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable alternative fuel made from a mix of modified vegetable oils and diesel fuel. It is a good solvent, which means it can degrade rubber in fuel lines and loosen or dissolve varnish and sediments in diesel fuel tanks.
Biodiesel is usually blended with petrodiesel or diesel to a ratio of less than 10%, as most engines cannot run on pure biodiesel without modification. The blend percentage is indicated by a "B" factor, so B100 is pure biodiesel, while B20 is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel. These blends offer a compromise between the environmental benefits of biodiesel and the performance characteristics of standard diesel.
In 2005, Chrysler released the Jeep Liberty CRD with a 5% biodiesel blend, indicating the acceptance of biodiesel as a diesel fuel additive. In 2020, biodiesel and diesel were the predominant fuel sources for transit buses in the US, with biodiesel blends of up to B5 commonly found in diesel sold at US gas stations.
Biodiesel has advantages and disadvantages when compared to diesel. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, but concerns include land use changes and deforestation. Biodiesel also has worse performance in cold conditions and gels at higher temperatures, creating storage and transportation issues. However, biodiesel can prolong the lifetime of certain engine components due to its lubrication qualities.
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Hydrogen fuel is an alternative option
Buses, like most vehicles, have traditionally relied on fossil fuels, namely gasoline and diesel, for their energy needs. However, hydrogen fuel is an alternative option that is gaining traction. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst, and the only by-product of this process is water. This makes hydrogen fuel a much cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, as it produces little to no harmful emissions.
Several cities around the world have trialled and tested fuel cell buses, with over 5,600 buses in use globally, most of which are in China. These buses have been found to offer several advantages over their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. For example, hydrogen fuel cells have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, making them suitable for heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks. Hydrogen fuel cells also offer a longer range compared to battery electric buses, which often experience a reduction in driving range due to energy being diverted to power auxiliary systems such as heaters or air conditioning.
The transition to hydrogen fuel cell buses also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main obstacles is the high cost of operation, as reported by some operators. Dedicated hydrogen filling stations need to be built, and the process of refuelling can be more complex and time-consuming than with traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, in some cases, air pollution has been found to reduce the efficiency and operating life of hydrogen fuel cells, as seen in Beijing, where the first fuel cell buses in China were withdrawn after one year due to these issues.
Despite these challenges, there are several successful examples of hydrogen fuel cell bus implementations. One notable example is the Xcelsior CHARGE FC™, which is claimed to be North America's most advanced hydrogen fuel cell-electric bus. This bus can travel up to 370 miles on a single refuelling and offers zero emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Another example is Hyundai's ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus, which is equipped with a high-capacity hydrogen fuel cell system and provides a range of over 500 km.
Overall, hydrogen fuel cell technology offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels for buses, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in urban areas. While there are some challenges to be addressed, the increasing adoption of hydrogen fuel cell buses could play a crucial role in achieving broader climate goals and creating a more sustainable future for public transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, buses traditionally run on fossil fuels like diesel, which is a non-renewable resource. However, there is a shift towards electric buses that do not have tailpipe emissions.
Diesel buses have tailpipe emissions that are harmful to the environment and human health. They release carbon dioxide, soot, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, which contribute to global warming and climate change.
Electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions and are much safer for the environment and human health. They also result in long-term savings due to lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The upfront investment cost for electric buses is quite high, and there may be a reduction in driving range in extreme climates due to energy diverted to power heaters or air conditioning systems.
Electric bus adoption is increasing due to governmental incentives and rebates. More than 8,675 electric school buses are in operation across 1,132 school districts in the United States, with 49 states committing to electric bus adoption.
