Grand Rapids Schools Add Electric Buses, Save Big

Companies like Meijer are adopting electric semi-trucks to cut costs, and Grand Rapids Public Schools are doing the same, expecting major long-term savings.

School Districts Save Thousands of Dollars Per Electric Bus

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School districts can end up saving over $100,000 on fuel and maintenance for each electric school bus compared to a diesel one. On a yearly basis, that usually works out to around $4,000 to $11,000 or more in savings per bus. Even though electric buses cost more upfront, they’re cheaper to run day to day since they use less energy, have fewer parts that can break, and don’t need things like oil changes. Over time, that can make them the more affordable option overall.

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Electric buses are better for the environment because they don’t produce exhaust from a tailpipe, which helps cut down on pollution and greenhouse gases. They also make the air cleaner in local communities and run much quieter than diesel buses. Since they use energy more efficiently, switching to electric buses on a larger scale can keep millions of tons of CO₂ out of the air each year, helping improve public health and reduce our overall carbon footprint.

A school district in West Michigan has started replacing its diesel bus fleet with new electric buses.

New Electric School Buses Arrive at G.R. Public Schools

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According to FOX17, Grand Rapids Public Schools has started swapping out its diesel buses by adding seven new electric ones. The switch is being paid for with a $5.2 million federal EPA grant along with $1.5 million from the state. Once the other eight buses arrive, the district will have a total of 15 electric buses in its fleet.