Electrification Opportunities and Challenges of School Bus Transportation: A Case Study of Atlanta Public Schools

With an ambitious commitment to reach net-zero emissions in the transportation sector by 2050, the United States is witnessing a growing trend in the electrification of school buses, driven by various incentive programs that aim to reduce harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the lack of a readily applicable analytical framework hinders the ability of school districts to assess program benefits and make informed decisions. This paper presents a comprehensive model that examines opportunities for electrification, energy savings, and financial and environmental implications, using Atlanta Public Schools (APS) as a case study. The results show that 352 out of 402 APS routes are suitable for electrification. Electric buses provide a 60% reduction in energy consumption and a 40% decrease in CO
2
emissions per mile, compared to diesel counterparts, yielding a reduction of about 1,500 tons of CO
2
emissions per year. While electric school buses offer long-term cost savings, upfront costs and charging infrastructure place practical constraints on their implementation. Hence, incentives remain crucial in the current context. In addition to pursuing additional grants, school districts can have a smoother and more efficient transition towards electric school buses by considering adopting buses with larger battery capacity, optimizing bus utilization, and maintaining productive relationships with manufacturers.