Electric School Bus (ESB) Guidebook
The New York State Electric School Bus (ESB) Guidebook supports the New York State mandate to transition all school buses in the State to zero-emission operation by 2035. It contains information, strategies, and resources to assist school districts, contractors, and other school bus stakeholders with this transition. The Guidebook is made up of content-specific ‘guides’ that cover a variety of school bus electrification topics including environmental benefits of electrification, electric school bus and charger purchasing, available incentives, site planning, workforce training, and operations and maintenance of electric school buses.
As guides are finalized, they will be made available in the sections below. The guides will also be periodically updated as new materials and information are developed. More information about NYSERDA electric school bus programs and resources can be found at NYSERDA’s Electric School Bus page and by signing up for NYSERDA’s Electric School Bus email list.
Benefits of School Bus Electrification
This guide focuses on the positive impacts of electric school buses as well as the mandates and commitments set by the federal and state government to achieve school bus electrification targets.
Electric School Bus Purchasing
This guide explores the electric school bus purchasing process. Readers will learn about the various electric school bus models currently available, how to identify which electric school buses are most suitable for present needs, as well as diverse methods for financing these purchases.
Electric School Bus Charger Purchasing
This guide explores the electric school bus charger purchasing process. Readers will learn about the various charging equipment and services currently available, how to identify the charging equipment and services that are most suitable for present and future needs, as well as diverse methods for financing these purchases.
Financial Incentives for Electric School Buses and Chargers
This guide explores the federal and state financial incentives available for school districts that aid with procuring electric school bus and charging infrastructure, as well as strategies for meeting incentive requirements.
Routing and Range Requirements for Electric School Buses
This guide discusses approaches to planning and prioritizing routes for electric school buses, and how their reduced driving range may impact vehicle assignment decisions. Factors, such as weather and terrain will also be explored.
- Routing and Range Requirements for Electric School Buses [File Not Yet Available]
Electric School Bus Storage and Charger Site Planning
This guide focuses on how to accommodate electric school buses and associated charging equipment onsite and develop a site plan that accounts for current and future electric school bus and charging needs, as well as budgetary and regulatory considerations.
- Electric School Bus Storage and Charger Site Planning [File Not Yet Available]
Electric School Bus Operations and Maintenance
This guide focuses on the facilities, personnel, policies, procedures, and resources required for proper operation and maintenance of electric school buses.
- Electric School Bus Operations and Maintenance [File Not Yet Available]
Electric School Bus Charging Equipment Operations and Maintenance
This guide focuses on the facilities, personnel, policies, procedures, and resources required for proper operation and maintenance of electric school bus charging equipment.
- Electric School Bus Charging Equipment Operations and Maintenance [File Not Yet Available]
Electric School Bus and Charging Safety
This guide focuses on additional safety measures, training, and resources to be considered when handling electric school buses and charging equipment.
- Electric School Bus and Charging Safety [File Not Yet Available]
ESB Workforce Development Strategies and Training Needs
This guide focuses on the impacts of school bus electrification on related industries and disadvantaged communities, as well as strategies for ensuring energy equity through workforce development and incentives. Training needs for bus drivers and technicians to operate and maintain electric school buses and chargers safely and efficiently, and information, resources, and available training programs are also provided.
- Electric School Bus Technician Training [File Not Yet Available]