COLUMBUS, Ohio-Since 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been distributing $5 billion in grants to help schools purchase electric buses, with 800 districts nationwide already adding at least one to their fleet. Shaker Heights Schools, which bought an electric bus last year, has reported savings in fuel and maintenance costs, spending about $2,739.30 on energy—40% less than the cost of operating a diesel bus. While the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, some, like State Senator Andrew Brenner, are skeptical, citing issues such as the weight of electric buses potentially damaging roads and concerns over battery life and grid capacity. He argues that the funds could be better used to address local needs, like hiring more bus drivers, given the higher cost of electric buses (around $380,000) compared to diesel buses ($120,000 to $140,000).
