District Electric School Bus Initiative
Biloxi Public Schools (BPS) has announced a significant initiative to install the largest fleet of electric vehicle (EV) school buses in Mississippi. Funded via a $11,455,000 grant from the EPA's Clean Bus program, BPS will acquire 29 new EV school buses and install accompanying charging infrastructure. This initiative is set to roll out in 2025 under a strategic collaboration with project partners Schneider Electric and Mississippi Power.
The following sections answer some of our most recurring questions:
A: The introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) to the school transportation fleet is anticipated to significantly lower fuel and maintenance expenses. With EVs boasting fewer moving parts and requiring less maintenance than traditional diesel buses, we expect to see considerable annual savings. In fact, we expect to save around $82,000 annually, reducing transportation costs by 40%. These savings will be thoughtfully redirected to enhance educational programs and resources, ensuring that funds benefit our students' learning experience directly.
A: Biloxi Public Schools, along with Mississippi Power and Schneider Electric, are teaming up to reduce strain on the local grid by using smart charging technology for electric buses. These new buses will only require 137,000 kWh annually, or enough electricity to power 18 homes.
Additionally, natural gas made up 76% of Mississippi's electricity generation in 2022, being the primary fuel at 9 out of the state's top 10 power plants.
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The 1,443-megawatt Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station in Port Gibson, Mississippi, is the largest single-reactor nuclear power plant by generating capacity in the nation. The plant generated about 17% of the state's electricity in 2022.
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Mississippi is one of the few states with large underground salt caverns capable of storing natural gas.
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A: The health and safety of our students are of the utmost importance. The electric buses are not only zero-emission vehicles, ensuring cleaner air for our children to breathe, but they are also quieter, reducing noise pollution and creating a calmer, more pleasant commute. The absence of diesel fumes and quieter rides contribute to a safer and more comfortable environment for our students and bus drivers alike.
A: Our goal is to launch the electric school bus fleet in 2025. To make it happen smoothly, we'll upgrade infrastructure while waiting for equipment. Coordinating the switch from diesel to electric buses to ensure students and community get uninterrupted service.
A: The initiative plans to upgrade 39% of the BPS bus fleet. The district plans to replace 20 buses running on diesel fuel with more eco-friendly options. Additionally, they will be phasing out 9 gas buses. To support this transition, chargers and charging infrastructure will be added to facilitate the operation of the new vehicles.
A: The funding for this groundbreaking initiative is being sourced through a combination of grants, partnerships, and reinvested annual savings from the current Schneider Electric energy modernization project. An outline of the funding sources is as follows:
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$11,455,000 EPA Clean Bus Grant
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$810,000 179-D Tax Deduction resulting from our Phase 4 and 5 Schneider Electric projects, which can be credited toward this next phase of work
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$130,000 Mississippi Power Rebates
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A: Nothing. This project will be fully funded through grants, rebates, and cost savings from transition to EV infrastructure.
A: While the initial investment for EV buses exceeds that of diesel or gas buses, the overall ownership costs are significantly lower for EV buses. This is due to substantial fuel savings (even after factoring in added electric load) and reduced maintenance expenses. Over its operational lifespan of 15 years, the new EV fleet will reduce the district's operations and maintenance costs by 40%.
A: As a city school district, our bus routes are typically shorter compared to those of a widespread county school district, making them a good fit for this technology. The chosen routes for these buses cover approximately 50 to 70 miles each day. These buses will be equipped with a sufficient range to handle the daily mileage and consider various factors affecting range, including weather, terrain, stops, and driving habits. If necessary, buses can recharge during the day between routes using either a standard charger or one of the two DC fast chargers available.
A: With the new EV buses utilizing just one-third of the district's fleet, we will be utilizing traditional fuel buses for field trips.
A: While it's true that EVs, like all vehicles, carry certain risks, it is important to note that electric school buses have numerous safety features designed to mitigate fire hazards. Manufacturers implement rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure the safety of their battery systems. Additionally, our district will be implementing comprehensive safety protocols, including regular maintenance checks and specialized staff training. It's worth emphasizing that recent studies indicate EVs pose no greater fire risk than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles; in fact, they often have lower rates of such incidents.