Are electric school bus batteries safe?

Yes, electric school bus batteries are subject to very high, globally-recognized automotive safety standards and have robust safety mechanisms built in. And while fires (also called “thermal events”) are extremely rare with any type of school bus, they are even less likely for electric vehicles than for fossil fuel-burning vehicles.

What is a battery electric bus?

A battery electric bus is an electric bus that is driven by an electric motor and obtains energy from on-board batteries. Many trolleybuses use batteries as an auxiliary or emergency power source.

Are battery electric buses a good idea?

Battery electric buses offer the potential for zero-emissions, in addition to much quieter operation and better acceleration compared to traditional buses. They also eliminate infrastructure needed for a constant grid connection and allow routes to be modified without infrastructure changes, in contrast with a trolleybus.

Are electric school buses safe?

The World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative recently published a report that seeks to alleviate those concerns as part of the organization’s All About series. Electric school buses are designed and built to be safe. The batteries are extensively tested. Batteries are equipped with rigorous safety mechanisms.

What is a battery pack on a bus?

Battery packs are enclosed in a durable metal casing kept between the guard rails of the bus chassis for maximum protection. “This area is often referred to as the vehicle’s safety zone as it is separated from passengers by a structural barrier and away from the front of the bus where collisions are more common,” the report stated.

What was the first battery bus?

The first battery buses were mostly small, mini- or midi- buses. The improvement of battery technology from around 2010 led to the emergence of the mass-produced battery bus, including heavier units such as 12.2-meter (40 ft) standard buses and articulated buses. China was the first country to introduce modern battery electric buses in large scale.