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Funds to support the electric bus project were provided by: ND Department of Commerce, the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future, Minnkota Power Cooperative, and Cass County Electric Cooperative.

Education Electrification Students in the West Fargo school district experienced what it’s like riding to school in an all-electric school bus

The Blue Bird electric school bus designated as e16 recently completed its first year picking up and dropping off West Fargo students. “It’s been an interesting journey for us,” said Brad Redmond, director of transportation at West Fargo Public Schools (WFPS).

While the electric bus has a higher upfront cost of slightly more than $300,000, it’s expected to be more cost-effective than a traditional bus throughout its lifetime.

Each month, the school compared the electric school bus’ costs to two diesel-powered school bus’ that went into service at the same time. A long-term analysis of the electric bus’ operational and maintenance costs will provide data to assist in future purchasing decisions regarding the most cost-effective fuel sources for the district’s fleet.

Operational & Maintenance Per Mile

Diesel #1: $0.45 Diesel #2: $0.40 Electric (e16): $0.14 Savings per mile (avg.): $0.28 Total savings: $3,269.62

bus provides. Because the district didn’t have to pay maintenance costs associated with oil changes, filter replacements or tune-ups, the cost savings was $3,269.62. “It’s been a really exciting project, and hopefully, we can get more buses,” said Redmond.

It’s no surprise that electric transportation exceeds expectations, but as with all technology, 100% performance isn’t always attainable. Redmond explained the bus surpassed his expectations, especially in North Dakota’s colder climate. “I was expecting some hiccups with it quitting because it’s too cold. The only real downfall we saw was a reduction in (battery life) range.”

On average, the electric bus loses 30% of its maximum range in cold weather. After experiencing the first winter, WFPS teamed up with Blue Bird to give the e16 bus two significant updates to help preserve range. The first update was installing an insulated pack that wraps around the batteries and coolant lines. The second was a software update to preheat the bus while it’s still plugged in. These updates allow the driver to heat the bus’ cabin before leaving the parking garage to start their route—meaning they won’t lose any miles on their daily range through heating the bus to temperature.

Redmond said e16 could easily take 20 miles off its range by just standing idle in the winter, so using the electric bus for field trips is not the best application due to losing two or three hours of charging time to make the afternoon route.

WFPS and Blue Bird—the electric bus manufacturer— have kept in close contact as this it the first electric bus Blue Bird has on the roads outside of California.

Students who had the chance to ride the bus recognize it’s a little different than their ordinary everyday bus. It’s not until the bus starts traveling down the road when they realize how quiet it is. Redmond said the most common question bus drivers receive is, “Why is the bus so quiet?”

WFPS is a cold weather electric bus pioneer, paving a path toward more potential electric school buses. By educating students and providing firsthand experience of riding an electric bus, there is a chance these future drivers might think twice about purchasing a mainstream vehicle and instead opt for an electric one.