The need for school/college Bus Electrification
According to the Economic Survey of 2023-24, India has 26.52 crore (265 million) school students, with around 9%—or approximately 25 million children—relying on school buses. Unfortunately, most of these buses are diesel-powered, exposing young passengers to harmful pollutants every day. Diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen, linked to respiratory issues, asthma, and even cognitive development impacts in children. The cumulative, long-term effects of such exposure are severe and, in many cases, irreversible. Transitioning to electric school buses would significantly mitigate these risks, shielding children from toxic emissions and providing cleaner, safer transport. There is further add-on, if we take college student commute also in consideration.
Benefits of Electric School Buses
Electric buses offer zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they prevent direct exposure to the harmful pollutants associated with diesel vehicles. This shift would not only improve air quality in cities but also reduce India’s overall carbon footprint.
In addition to environmental and health benefits, electric buses present a strong economic case. While the initial cost of electric buses is higher, they have far lower running costs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. Electric buses require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts, and they eliminate fuel costs, which adds to expenditure books of the campus. Over the lifespan of an electric bus, these savings can offset the initial investment, making it a financially sound choice.
Learning from Global Examples
Countries like the United States have already started taking steps toward electrifying their school bus fleets. Through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus (CSB) Program, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $5 billion is allocated over five years to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. This initiative has already helped introduce more than 3,500 electric school buses across the U.S., showcasing the government’s commitment to cleaner school transportation.
India could greatly benefit from a similar approach. With strategic policies, funding, and public-private partnerships, India can accelerate the electrification of school buses. Government support in the form of subsidies and low-interest financing would make electric buses more accessible to school administrations. Public-private partnerships could drive down costs and facilitate the installation of necessary charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where the need is greatest.
Policy Recommendations for India
India’s government could introduce a dedicated fund aimed at replacing diesel school buses with electric ones. Extending current EV subsidies to cover school buses and offering tax incentives for manufacturers focused on electric buses for school fleets would encourage adoption. Additionally, pilot programs in major cities could help demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of electric school buses, gathering public support and further informing policy development.
A Call for Change
Transitioning to electric school buses is not just about embracing new technology—it’s about prioritizing the health and well-being of India’s next generation. Electrifying our school transportation system represents a proactive step toward cleaner air, safer cities, and healthier children. With a clear roadmap, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility, India can set a powerful example and make school transportation a model for cleaner, greener public transit. At Climate Reality India, we are already running a program called the ‘Green Campus Program’ for schools and colleges, where we work with these institutes on identifying the greener options within their sphere like enhancing green cover in the built environment, better waste and water management , solar electrification and low carbon transport, to name a few. The management of these campuses have shown interest in taking up these solutions, which can be sustainable and can have a long term impact on student community and the wider stakeholders.
BY Pradeep Karuturi, National Coordinator, Electric Mobility & Aditya Pundir, Director – India and South Asia, The Climate Project Foundation, India and South Asia (An initiative by Noble Laureate Al Gore)
