Tis equates to 13,500 miles a year, and 900 operating


hours. If using a diesel fuel economy assumption at 7.5 miles to a gallon, we would annually be using approximately 1,800 gallons of fuel at $2.44 per gallon and a cost of $4,392 annual fuel costs (not factoring field or athletic trips). Keep in mind as we proceed through the implementation of GHG phase II regulations that these numbers are going to improve. Te fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty EV school


buses is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle, but in the right applications, they can maintain a strong fuel-cost advantage over their conventional fossil fueled counterparts.


WHAT ELSE IS RELEVANT? 1. Environmentally friendly: When buyers are looking for


near-zero emissions, then the only vehicle that can achieve that goal is EV. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although some argue that the primary power plant producing the electricity may emit them if they are powered by oil, CNG or coal. Tis should be part of the equation. Electricity is a secondary power source, as in it requires energy to be produced. Here is what the U.S. Energy Adminis- tration says about the amount of product to produce


• 1kw-h of electricity: • Oil—0.07 gallons of oil to produce one kw-h • Natural Gas—10 cubic feet of CNG to produce one kw-h • Coal—1.04 pounds to produce one kw-h


2. Electricity Supplied: from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants in producing electricity.Tis technology is changing rapidly and could pro- vide a viable option in powering electrical charge stations. 3. Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation, stronger acceleration and increased braking assistance while requiring less maintenance than internal combustion engines. 4. Reduced energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic secondary energy source, available anywhere. EVs, as most operators know, face these battery-related challenges: Driving range: Range is typically limited to 60 to 120 miles on a full charge, although improved battery technology is anticipated that could increase miles between charging.


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