Zenobe is currently working on finalizing fleet electrification in North American transportation operations.
process. “Don’t go zero to 100 in your first year. I’ve seen a number of districts fail with that attempt, but also don’t dabble and only use one or two buses that you’re not paying attention to,” said Pritchard. Shannon noted that while the original 16 electric buses
added to the Twin Rivers fleet of 130 buses in 2016 was a fairly large deployment especially at that time, his vision included the use of renewable diesel as well as the introduction of 30 CNG buses. By the time he left Twin Rivers, the district was up to 80 electric school buses. “I would say to think big…when you break ground for infrastructure, make sure you put enough pipe and wire and have capacity for future growth,” he advised. “Start with a manageable amount, let’s say 10 buses for a fleet of 100, and get used to it. Learn how they work. You need to make sure that you planned your route, and the right equipment fits the right job.” O’Day at InCharge recommended focusing on total
cost of ownership and close cooperation with ven- dor-partners. “Considering the financial health of vendors will also be helpful due to changes in the indus- try resulting from reduced funding for school districts buying electric school buses (ESBs),” he said. Pritchard also spoke to the market disruptions caused
by Lion Electric’s liquidity auction and Proterra emerg- ing from bankruptcy with new owners. While delays in
42 School Transportation News • MAY 2025
delivery can significantly impact electrification efforts, he said transportation can get ahead of potential issues with diverse or multiple supply chains, which “are key to success,” as one can “survive a major hit from any one supplier.”
Clancy said Zenobe is relying on its “strong global
supplier relationships given our work outside of North America, which we are using to minimize the impact of tariffs on our U.S. customers. The transition to clean stu- dent transportation requires a long-term mindset from transportation operators and all stakeholders, including the fleet electrification partner,” She continued, “We often work closely with our
customers on long-term electrification planning and provide financing options that allow them to control their costs and manage their budget over the life of their projects. This approach helps our customers to reduce their upfront costs in the short-term, lower the battery risk over the long term, minimize regret costs and en- sure their vehicles are running routes as intended.” Shannon concluded by advising transportation direc-
tors and fleet directors to look at the big picture when purchasing. “There are a lot of options and opportunity out there,”
he added. ●
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZENOBE.
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