Battery-electric school buses are becoming a prominent fixture in the transportation landscape, and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is leading the charge. In a groundbreaking move, LAUSD has made history by placing an order for 180 battery-electric school buses from Blue Bird Corporation, marking the largest single order of its kind in the company’s extensive history.
This monumental order encompasses 30 Vision models and 150 All American models, set to join the existing fleet of 26 battery-electric buses in LAUSD. Offering an impressive range of up to 130 miles on a full charge, both models boast eco-friendly credentials and require a recharge time of three to eight hours.
Anticipated to roll out from October this year, the entire order is slated for completion by early next year. Beyond the evident environmental benefits, Blue Bird’s electric buses offer a unique advantage – vehicle-to-grid capability. This feature not only enhances grid resiliency but also allows the buses to sell surplus energy back to the grid, presenting a profitable dimension to sustainability.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $5 billion in rebates, propelling school districts towards investing in zero-emission buses. Blue Bird acknowledges the significance of LAUSD’s order, stating, “The unprecedented order will help the school district transition the first of several depots to 100% electric student transportation, advancing its ambitious goals of reducing harmful greenhouse-gas emissions while improving operational efficiencies.”
With 1500 electric school buses already delivered to districts in 41 states, LAUSD’s order aligns with a broader nationwide push for sustainable school transportation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, supported by the EPA, has earmarked substantial rebates, driving the adoption of zero-emission buses in various states.
While Blue Bird faces competition in the electric school bus sector, its recent inauguration of the Electric Vehicle Build-up Center positions the corporation as a leader, with plans to produce up to 5000 electric school buses annually.
“Demand for low- and zero-emission school buses remains strong across the United States. Blue Bird will continue to meet and exceed our customer expectations,” affirms Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird Corporation.
Recognized for their predictable schedules and daily mileage requirements, school buses emerge as natural candidates for electrification. As the industry focuses on grid infrastructure and wider adoption efforts, the transition to electric school buses gains momentum, promising a cleaner and more sustainable future for student transportation.