Recently, President Joe Biden allocated $1 billion for electric school buses. This money is part of a $5 billion package for school buses written into the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act.

The EPA has estimated that all-electric buses could cost approximately $400,000 each. The cost for one level-2 charger for EV buses is between $2,000 to $5,000 for the equipment and as much as $10,000 for installation. A high-powered charger costs $4,000 to $15,000 and $40,000 to $50,000 for installation cost. The costs will vary by contractor.

Considering load demands, the current electric bus models have a range between 75 to 210 miles. The schools will have to be meticulous about mapping out bus routes and must consider days of cold weather.

The government claims that the batteries will last the life of buses, 10 to 12 years, but what will be the battery’s charge and discharge efficiency after five years? What will be the future cost of electricity? Hey, who cares about the costs? Aren't we saving the planet?

George Pikoulas, Butler