New Opportunities The routing limitations of electric vehicles can
present new opportunities for creative thinking, noted Robert Jacobus, founder and CEO of Colorado-based consulting firm School Bus Logistics. “Evaluating EV in a district should bring a fresh look at
the routes for efficiencies,” he said. “This opens the door to think outside of the box when it comes to routing, like we have for the past 80 years.” Along with considering new angles on routing ef-
ficiency, this might include simple measures such as changing wording or numbering. “I guess we now have to come up with new nomen-
clatures for our route package numbers,” he said. “Maybe placing ‘EV’ in front of the route number now so dis- patch knows if a route can be run with an EV bus.” In the future, routing challenges for electric school buses are likely to become a non-issue as batteries and related technologies keep improving. In the meantime, the distinct capabilities and limitations of ESBs, along with effective strategies for their optimum use, will bear careful consideration.
“Start by engaging closely with your utility providers”
Bullman said. “I can’t stress this enough, not only for their technical support, but also for obtaining equipment and other related logistics on time.” Care in selecting charging equipment is a must, add-
ed Bridgeman in Washington. “Significantly research the chargers you intend to use
before purchasing them,” he said. “Make sure the buses and chargers are compatible, and do not purchase char- gers that have never been used to charge school buses.” He also advised against using chargers that have in-
ternal batteries for charging during peak demand times. “These charges are not effective when the batteries get depleted,” he added. “They begin to slow down the charging rate to the buses.” Burciaga in San Diego advised identifying key part- ners early in the process and ensuring communication between each. “Start small and adapt to your needs,” he said. “Recog- nize that technology is constantly improving and resist the temptation to move too quickly.” ●
Made with Room to GROW
Adjustable Securements Available SM-XL
© Copyright 2024 Besi, Inc. All rights reserved.
Besi-inc.com 800-543-8222
www.stnonline.com 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68