Crawford County R-1 Weighs Electric Bus Grant Opportunity

The Crawford County R-1 School District is exploring a grant opportunity to modernize its transportation fleet with electric buses, evaluating the costs, rebates, and potential savings involved in adopting the new technology.

During the Nov. 21 meeting, the school board went over the proposal.

If approved, the district would purchase four 67-passenger electric buses, each costing $379,944. With the rebate covering $345,000 per bus, the out-of-pocket cost for the district would total $139,776. Additionally, the district would need to invest in a 30kW dual charger and infrastructure installation, bringing the overall project cost to $199,826.

The district could benefit from tax credits, including a $34,944 per bus reimbursement under the 45W program and a $15,765 credit for infrastructure through the 30C program, totaling $155,541 in potential credits. However, these credits require processing through a tax attorney or financial manager, and no school district has yet completed the process successfully.

Factoring in special funding depreciation spread over eight years, the district projects a potential net gain of $79,776 after reimbursement.

Comparing Costs

Electric buses come at a higher upfront cost than traditional diesel models, with new diesel buses priced at $150,000 and used models ranging between $70,000 and $119,000. However, the district would gain long-term benefits such as reduced maintenance and fuel expenses, along with eligibility for future funding opportunities.

Bus Features

The electric buses under consideration come with advanced features, including:

• A 210kW battery offering a 138-mile range.
• Eight-year battery warranty and five-year towing coverage.
• Air conditioning, heated mirrors, and tinted windows.
• LED lighting, plywood flooring, and air-ride suspension for enhanced durability and comfort.

The school board will further discuss the proposal, balancing initial costs with long-term savings and sustainability goals, as they consider transitioning to electric transportation.