Going Back to School with Electric School Bus Fleets

School is back in session, and many school boards and bus operators are already planning for next year. Public and private schools looking to switch to electric vehicles and electric school buses can benefit from public funding. However, electrification may come with some unexpected differences. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) fleets, managing an electric school bus fleet requires some unique roles. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are the Key Roles for Managing an Electric School Bus Fleet?

School Bus Owner

In the U.S., school districts typically own the buses, keeping them as a capital asset. Buses are often purchased with property tax funds, and local or state governments may also contribute.

For electric school buses, funding may come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program. This program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides rebates and grants to help school districts purchase new electric buses through 2026.

Energy Fuel Manager

This role, unique to electric vehicle (EV) fleets, is essential. It may be filled by your building’s energy manager or a new hire dedicated to this responsibility. Your energy fuel manager and energy manager work together to assess the fleet’s electrical needs, choose the right charging stations, and optimize energy efficiency. The energy fuel manager is responsible for installing and maintaining your EV charging infrastructure.

Bus Maintenance Provider

Similar to ICE buses, your maintenance provider handles vehicle service. However, electric buses require less frequent maintenance. With fewer moving parts and no engine fluids to manage, maintenance costs are significantly lower, which is a key factor in many people’s decision to switch to EVs.

Bus Operator

The bus operator hires and manages drivers for the electric school buses. In the U.S., school districts typically serve as bus operators. For drivers, transitioning from ICE to an electric buses involves minimal changes. The primary differences include fueling and more responsive acceleration and regenerative braking. Both drivers and students will appreciate the absence of diesel fumes in electric buses.

Charging Station Owner

The charging station owner, usually the fleet depot or property owner, maintains the charging stations as capital assets. They are responsible for access, maintenance, and ensuring buses are fully charged each morning. Blink offers the new Blink Care preventative maintenance program, providing semiannual inspections and detailing for Level 2 and DC fast charging stations.

Electricity Customer

The electricity customer pays the utility bills to power the buses and chargers. This role is similar to the person responsible for fueling ICE buses and may be filled by the school or school district.

Why Choose Blink Fleet Management?

Blink works with your energy manager or energy fuel manager to help you choose the right Level 2 or DC fast chargers for your electric school bus fleet. Once the stations are installed and commissioned, they’ll be added to the Blink Network, and you’ll gain access to the Blink Fleet Management portal. With Blink Fleet Management, you can track environmental reports detailing CO2 reductions, fuel savings, and cost savings over time.

You’ll also be able to manage your buses by adding details such as the vehicle name, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, and kWh efficiency. For those managing multiple groups of buses, you can categorize them by location.

Concerned about energy costs or energy efficiency? You can schedule charging during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower energy rates.

Blink Fleet Management also provides notifications for:

Early plug-out,
Late plug-in, and
Plug-out below minimum energy level.

If your school also offers workplace or public charging, your administration can access charging data and environmental reporting districtwide through the Blink Host Portal. These reports help align with your school’s sustainability goals.

Which Are the Best Charging Stations for Electric School Bus Fleets?

When selecting charging stations for your fleet, consider the number of buses, deployment frequency, and battery capacity, as well as how long it takes to charge each bus.

Your fleet will likely need a mix of Level 2 chargers, such as the Blink Series 7, and DC fast chargers, like the Blink 60kW - 360kW DC Fast Chargers. Both types can charge two buses simultaneously. While they offer public payment options, these can be deactivated for fleet use.

The Blink Series 7 AC charging station is ideal for overnight charging when buses are parked. For employee or visitor charging, the Blink Series 8 offers a physical credit card reader, with customizable pricing and access options.

Blink Series 7

The Blink 60kW - 360kW DCFCs are available in various configurations and are designed for vehicles with larger batteries, making them perfect for charging between morning pickups and afternoon drop-offs. If you install multiple DCFCs, it is likely that you will require some electrical upgrades at your bus fleet depot, as well. Your energy manager, electrical contractor, and Blink sales manager can perform a site walk together to determine your existing capacity and upgrade needs.

Support with EV Charging Infrastructure

The EPA Clean School Bus Program can also fund charging infrastructure. Additionally, state and local programs may offer electrification incentives. Visit the Blink Commercial Incentives Finder to search for rebates and incentives near you.

We also have bulk purchasing agreements with several organizations, including:

Conclusion

Electrifying your school bus fleet involves collaboration between your school district and your electrification, maintenance, and utility providers to keep buses charged and ready for students. Ready to get started? Contact Blink Charging today to speak with a school bus fleet electrification expert.