This article is part of a series highlighting the experiences of the Arts Based School with their electric bus. Read the first article here.
The Arts Based School recently showcased its electric school bus during the Juneteenth Celebration in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This event provided the local community with an opportunity to explore the innovative technology firsthand.
Charles Choyce, one of the school’s bus drivers, dedicated his Saturday to introducing the bus to visitors and discussing its features. With 25 years of experience, Mr. Choyce transitioned to driving an electric bus with the Arts Based School this past year, experiencing firsthand the differences from traditional diesel buses.
Health Benefits and Comfort
When discussing his preference between electric and diesel buses, Mr. Choyce emphasized the health advantages for himself and the children he drives. “I like driving the electric bus more than the diesel bus. There are several advantages to driving the electric bus. One is, when you drive the diesel bus, you get portions of the fumes of the diesel,” Choyce stated.
He noted a decrease in complaints about headaches among the children after switching to electric. “The kids complain about the fumes when they’re riding the diesel buses.”
The electric bus also offers physical ease for drivers. “The thing about buses is that the steering, when you’re steering all day long, your arms over here hurt. But this one? I mean, I could, I could hold this steering. I could go like this and, and it turns. I could go like, (demonstrates small shift on wheel) and it turns. I love that,” Mr. Choyce explained.
Enhanced Maneuverability
Mr. Choyce praised the electric bus for its smooth handling, saying, “It’s very smooth. The turning gears are much wider, if that makes sense. For example, if I’m taking a turn, it’s better on a turn than the old buses.” This is due to the electric bus’s improved center of gravity, achieved by mounting heavier components lower in the frame, enhancing stability.
Improved Safety
The quieter environment of the electric bus is another feature Mr. Choyce appreciates, especially for neurodivergent students. “It is so loud on the diesel bus. They have to over-talk the engine. It helps because you can hear the kids more. This is the best experience I ever had.”
He also values the regenerative braking system, which aids in automatic deceleration. “Like, if I take my foot off the brake, the bus automatically slows down. I like that feature a lot.”
Efficient Route Management and Cost Savings
“With the electric buses, you could plan your routes, you know exactly what it is. For example, I drive about 60 kids in the morning. So my day starts at about 100% battery charge. By midday, I know exactly how much power I have,” Mr. Choyce explained.
He typically covers about 60 miles per day and finds the bus capable of handling field trips due to its 150-mile range on a full charge. Charging at the school depot, the electric bus proves to be more economical than diesel counterparts.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Mr. Choyce mentioned the lower maintenance needs of the electric bus. “Breakdowns happen very easily with the diesel bus, because there’s a lot of turning gears and stuff like that. But with the electric bus, it’s very, very light wear and tear.”
Routine checks reveal minimal upkeep, with only fluid addition required in the past year, contrasting sharply with frequent repairs seen in diesel buses.
Considering Full Electrification?
Mr. Choyce has become an advocate for electric buses, citing safety, reliability, and ease as compelling reasons. When asked about owning an electric vehicle, he noted challenges for those without garage facilities but expressed interest due to rising fuel costs, saying, “Yeah, I would love to have that. I would. Because, I mean, gas is so expensive. It’s so expensive.”
This article is part of a series highlighting the experiences of the Arts Based School with their electric bus. Read the first article here.
Take Action
Please indicate your support for electric school buses by adding your name to our petition.
Original Story at cleanenergy.org