School buses are much more than a mode of transportation. The sight of the iconic yellow bus evokes feelings of nostalgia and community. From its color to its shape, the school bus has a timeless and classic aesthetic that has become an integral part of our culture and shared childhood experiences. However, as the need for sustainable transportation grows, the familiar yellow school bus is transforming, albeit under the hood.

Recently, the Biden administration announced nearly $1 billion in federal funding to help school districts transition to cleaner and more sustainable school buses as part of a broader effort to address air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With over 480,000 school buses transporting 25 million students daily, the potential impact of this funding is substantial.

This initiative responds to the pressing need for cleaner alternatives to diesel-powered buses, which contribute to harmful air pollution and pose health risks to students and communities. Electric buses offer a promising solution, providing zero-emission transportation while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The $1 billion federal funding aims to support school districts in replacing their old diesel buses with cleaner alternatives, including electric buses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will oversee the allocation of grants, allowing more than 280 school districts serving over 7 million students nationwide to purchase more than 2,700 clean buses.

Alongside federal funding, countless states are taking the initiative to establish their own electric school bus programs, allocating funds to electrify fleets. For example, New Jersey’s Electric School Bus Grant Program will provide up to $45 million in funding over three years to replace diesel school buses with electric buses and install associated charging infrastructure across the state. By providing financial support to school districts, the government is helping to accelerate the adoption of electric buses and reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

Buses have emerged as frontrunners in transportation electrification. This can be attributed to their well-defined routes, predictable schedules, and the potential for significant emissions reduction in densely populated areas. However, the electrification of school buses still presents unique challenges compared to other fleet vehicles or light-duty cars. Factors like range, battery capacity, and vehicle weight necessitate innovative solutions.

As electric buses rely on large battery packs to power their operations, managing the temperature of these batteries becomes essential for optimal performance and overall success of electrification efforts. School buses operate in a wide range of climates, from freezing winters to scorching summers. Battery thermal management systems are essential for adapting to these varying conditions and ensuring the batteries can reliably perform regardless of the external temperatures.

Fortunately, thermal management has evolved to keep pace with breakthroughs in mobility. Thermal management systems ensure the optimal functioning of electric school buses, making them viable alternatives to traditional diesel-powered buses. Battery thermal management is especially crucial for electric school buses due to their demanding operational requirements. During use, the power electronics and onboard charger within an electric bus will quickly heat up to degrees outside of the vehicle’s optimal operational temperature range. Electric buses must integrate and engage thermal management systems to ensure derating temperature ranges stay between the ideal 50 – 65 degrees Celsius. Efficient temperature control ensures the battery pack functions appropriately, allowing for consistent range and performance.

The electrification of school buses marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of student transportation. By addressing unique challenges through technologies like battery thermal management, we can ensure these beloved yellow school buses continue to serve our communities while embracing a greener and more sustainable future.

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