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Recharge Time: Fully recharging the battery pack can take four to eight hours. A “fast charge” to 80 percent capacity can take 30 minutes. Tis may change as technology improves AC and DC, and possibly induction, charging systems. Battery Cost: Te large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times. Recent discussion has taken place relative to leasing batteries. Bulk & Weight: Battery packs are heavy and take up consid-


erable vehicle space. Vehicle Cost: significant today, but may go down as pro- duction increases, and can be significantly offset by aggressively pursuing energy grants. Additionally, tax credits, while an in- centive for private operators, are not an incentive for the public sector school bus operator.


WHAT COULD ULTIMATELY INFLUENCE GROWTH OF EV SCHOOL BUS MARKET SHARE? • Researchers successfully delivering improved battery tech- nologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight and cost. • Government agencies aggressively pursuing goals of ze-


ro-emission vehicles • Increasing the ease and availability of getting vocation specific energy grants from those federal and state agencies


advocating clean air and domestic energy. And manufacturers offer the buyer: • A sales team with a proactive approach for both the vehicle


and “fueling” infrastructure to “Reduce the Operating Concern” • Vehicle financing, battery confidence through leasing, grant writing, training and targeted warranty (powertrain, electronics, battery, etc.)


Te goal of “zero” emissions is one that cannot be foreseen economically with the use of any fossil fuel. To argue the dif- ference between fossil fuel and electricity purely on the output of tailpipe emissions and only at the end user point is relatively easy. EV “0”! However, district transportation school bus buyers are in competition for education dollars. Making any purchasing decision tied to consideration of


environmental impact means a complete analysis of both lifecycle cost and environmental benefits should take place. All school bus manufacturers, dealers or regional sales staff have the ability to help you in calculating those costs and benefits with input from your business office and the transportation depart- ment. Another good source of information is the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Simply visit eia.gov and search for “electric vehicle.” ●


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1.800.543.0575 | www.ewss.org |  52School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2016 CELEBRATING25YEARS


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