Resource library
This factsheet provides an overview of the benefits of electric school bus (ESB) adoption, quick facts on school buses and ESBs, as well as barriers to adoption.
Accompanying the Driving Towards a Healthier Future Report, this toolkit is designed to empower readers interested in school bus electrification to further their learning and take action. Categorized for different users (parents, teachers, students, school board officials, etc), the toolkit includes videos, factsheets, teaching material, advocacy templates, contact lists (ATL-specific), eco-anxiety resources and more.
This report explores the significant impacts of fossil-fuel powered buses on children’s health in Atlantic Canada, and includes results from a pilot project measuring CO2 concentration inside a 2022 gasoline-fueled school bus. The report highlights the harmful effects of air pollution, and the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation options such as electric school buses for our children’s well-being.
These electric school bus (ESB) industry training standards help assess whether knowledge and skills related to ESB awareness, safety, maintenance and troubleshooting are adequately covered in existing training programs. These industry-first standards define learning objectives and outcomes for staff and individuals interacting with ESBs, including bus riders, drivers, technicians, fleet managers, first responders and more.
This catalogue presents key specifications for more than 150 zero-emission van, bus and truck models being offered for sale in Canada by 34 different OEMs. It demonstrates that there are zero-emission options across all vehicle and weight classes in pre-production, production or available for retrofit in the Canadian market today. Available vehicle types include: cargo vans and shuttle buses, school and transit buses, yard tractors, straight and box trucks, cabs and chassis that accommodate a multitude of upfits or bodies for different use cases, and tractor-trailers. Where available, estimated purchase prices, wait times, charging times and available charging speeds are included as well.
This document is a preread companion to the Electric School Bus Initiative and SeededGround working paper “Next stop, access! An exploratory paper on disability rights and justice throughout the transition to electric school buses.” This preread provides readers further background on the disability and environmental justice research lens used throughout the working paper and definitions for key concepts referenced in the research.
This paper is an exploratory study that employs an intersectional analysis to understand how the shift to electric school bus fleets impacts students with disabilities in various under-resourced communities and geographic areas, particularly rural communities, tribal communities, and communities of color. It emphasizes that in order to achieve an equitable transition, students and adults with disabilities must be prioritized to fully experience the benefits of clean transportation. As this group is significantly affected by issues such as school bus segregation, poverty and heightened air pollution, this paper aims to articulate their specific needs and recommendations for an equitable, accessible and fair transition to ESB fleets.
“Next stop, access! Before you read” is a companion to the working paper on this page, providing readers with further background on the disability and environmental justice research lens used throughout the working paper and definitions for key concepts referenced in the research. It is recommended to review this document before proceeding to the working paper.
This report offers an in-depth analysis of the benefits of transitioning Ontario’s school bus fleet from diesel to electric. It discusses the significant climate, health, and economic advantages of adopting electric school buses (ESBs), highlighting the reduction of harmful diesel emissions, improved health outcomes for children, cost savings over the bus’s lifecycle, and opportunities for local economic growth. The report advocates for accelerated adoption through leveraging federal funding, provincial policy support, and community engagement, and outlines key actions for stakeholders, including government, school boards, and private bus operators.
The toolkit addresses the issue of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). It provides information on the causes of air pollution from traffic, its effects on public health and the environment, and strategies for reducing or managing this pollution.
According to Harvard`s new research, every electric school bus put on the road can save up to $247,600 in climate and health costs, compared to its diesel counterpart.
This Pollution Probe report shares the results of their pilot program demonstrating the use of an electric school bus (ESB) in Calgary, Alberta. They analyzed the performance of an ESB in a Canadian context, including data on how the vehicle performed in harsh winter conditions, such as the impact of temperature on vehicle range performance and energy intensity. The report includes a technical analysis and a business case assessing the bus’s total cost of ownership.
The article explores the training needs for electric school bus operators and maintenance technicians, emphasizing challenges, solutions, and recommendations for a fair and effective transition to fleet electrification.
Electrifying CanadTo kick off its conference Electrifying Canada’s School Bus Fleet: Challenges, Lessons Learned and Solutions, the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) – led by Équiterre and Green Communities Canada – has launched its first study Pathways for Canadian Electric School Bus Adoption produced by Dunsky Energy+Climate on May 30 at 10 am ET, during its first panel ‘Exploring Pathways to 100% Electric School Bus Adoption’.
This is the executive summary of the report by the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) that examines the feasibility and benefits of transitioning the entire Canadian school bus fleet to electric vehicles by 2040, emphasizing key recommendations for immediate federal action regarding logistics, funding, policy regulation, and education in the context of a climate emergency.
The report by the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) examines the feasibility and benefits of transitioning the entire Canadian school bus fleet to electric vehicles by 2040, emphasizing key recommendations for immediate federal action regarding logistics, funding, policy regulation, and education in the context of a climate emergency.
This is a list of federal funding and financing opportunities to accelerate the transition to electric school buses.
In recognition of Healthy Environment for Learning Day (April 27, 2023), the CCNB asked students and the driver of New Brunswick’s first electric school bus what they think of their electric school bus.
This is a video of Victoria BC students enjoying their ride on one of the school district’s electric buses.
Educators will outline the importance of climate change education and the use of the electric school bus as a tool for teaching about climate change, climate action, and hope.
This is PEI’s story of how they are leading the charge in transitioning their school bus fleets to electric.
This infography describes the various benefits of shifting to electric school buses across Canada.
The event comprises a panel discussion on the future of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), highlighting the evolving wireless communication technologies and vehicle advancements for safer and integrated mobility. It involves municipal stakeholders, transport authorities, the automotive industry, infrastructure providers, and governments in ensuring the secure and effective realization of C-ITS potential.
The report emphasizes that school buses are notably the safest mode of transportation for children due to their stringent safety standards and structural features designed specifically for child protection. It acknowledges opportunities for enhancing safety measures further, such as driver assistance, external safety features, and occupant protection, as identified by the Task Force and the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities.
This comprehensive scientific review examines the evidence for associations between several adverse health effects and traffic-related air pollution (TRAP).
The Zero Emission Transit Fund Applicant Guide provides comprehensive instructions and criteria for transit agencies seeking funding to transition their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. It outlines eligibility requirements, application procedures, and guidelines for the deployment of eco-friendly transportation solutions, fostering a sustainable future for public transit systems.
Webpage of Earth Rangers’ program which empowers students to design and implement environmental action projects while learning about ESBs.
This report describes the advantages and various challenges associated with electrifying school buses, and presents recommendations to expedite the electrification process.
This policy brief explores the political context, benefits, and challenges related to electric school buses, along with specific policy recommendations for Quebec.
This policy brief explores the political context, benefits, and challenges related to electric school buses, along with specific policy recommendations for Prince Edward Island.
This policy brief explores the political context, benefits, and challenges related to electric school buses, along with specific policy recommendations for Ontario.
This policy brief explores the political context, benefits, and challenges related to electric school buses, along with specific policy recommendations for New Brunswick.
This policy brief explores the political context, benefits, and challenges related to electric school buses, along with specific policy recommendations for the Federal Government of Canada.
This policy brief explores the political context, benefits, and challenges related to electric school buses, along with specific policy recommendations for British Columbia.
This report explores the environmental, social and economic opportunities ESBs offer Ontario, and lays out a series of priority actions that can be led concurrently and consecutively by key stakeholder groups.
Presentation of WRI’s working paper Equity Framework to Guide the ESB Initiative, followed by a panel discussion about equity issues in Canada’s ESB transition.
This report explores Canada’s ZeroX2040 national strategy, outlining policy recommendations to electrify MHDV and build the necessary charging infrastructure.
This report explores V2G technology, its services and application to electric school buses in Canadian provinces.
This report discusses EV adoption in rural areas, addressing unique challenges like grid integration, distance from centers, and cold climates.
A report highlighting the environmental, health and, more particularly, financial benefits of electrifying Ontario’s school bus fleets.
This paper identifies and gathers information regarding advocacy stakeholders in the transition to ESBs in the U.S.
This brief provides an overview of federal funding for ESB and presents 2024 budget recommendations from CESBA.
Latest CESBA updates, and electric school bus related work and news.
Webinar covering the key steps to planning and installing depot charging, applying for grants, choosing charging hardware and working with utilities.
Opportunities and barriers of battery repurposing and recycling so that school districts, vehicle manufacturers and policymakers can set a foundation to build a circular value chain.
Overview of the benefits of repowers, including power purchase price, supply chain benefits and promoting a circular economy.
Study looking at the allocation of funding for school bus replacements and retrofits to causally assess the impacts of upgrading buses on student attendance.
Presentation on school bus electrification in Canada, benefits, resources, best practices and initiatives.
Information on the testing standards and safety mechanisms for ESB batteries, statistics about vehicle thermal events, and training opportunities for technicians and first responders.
Policy brief addressing the state of school bus electrification in Nova Scotia, its importance and the progress still needed.
Podcast episode with Highland Electric Fleets about their alternative business model for helping school districts electrify their fleets.
Latest CESBA updates, and electric school bus related work and news.
Presentation by the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment about the 2023 HELD campaign promoting the electrification of school buses.
This brief provides an overview of federal funding for ESB and presents 2023 budget recommendations from CESBA.
The rationale and process for incorporating an equity perspective into school transportation electrification advocacy work.
Steps for key stakeholders to take to deploy V2X-enabled ESBs to provide emergency backup power, and potential funding opportunities to facilitate their deployment for resilience purposes.
Webinar on how electric school buses with vehicle-to-everything technology can serve as emergency mobile power units and enhance infrastructure resilience.
White Paper on finding and securing opportunities outside the traditional school budget.
White Paper on how energy planners can optimize the value of an electric school bus fleet.
White Paper on the important factors to consider for transitioning a school bus fleet, from grant funding programs to collaboration with key stakeholders.
Information on the composition of school bus fleets in the United States, including the model year, fuel type, manufacturer, seating capacity and ownership model.
Resources on the school bus electrification in the United States, featuring success stories, articles and factsheets for transportation managers.
Latest CESBA updates, and electric school bus related work and news.
Workshop on the benefits of electric school buses and the strategies for engaging stakeholders around it, drawing on the U.S. experience.
Recommendations for the B.C. government to better position itself in the electric vehicles battery sector.
Interactive tool providing an overview of the progress and commitment to electric vehicles around the world.
Webpage of the U.S.-based Electric School Bus Initiative.
Report tracking Canadian sub-national leadership in ZEV strategies, policies and investments.
Important considerations for electric bus and other heavy-duty vehicles charging.
Webpage of the Electric School Buses program of the U.S.-based Electrification Coalition.
Webpage of the U.S.-based Electric School Bus Coalition.
Webpage of the U.S.-based Alliance for Electric School Buses.
Latest CESBA updates, and electric school bus related work and news.
Webinar series examining the issues surrounding the adoption of low-carbon fuels and solutions to overcome them.
Lessons from Prince Edward Island, one of Canada’s leading jurisdictions in school transportation electrification.
Plea for electrification of the New Brunswick government’s school bus fleet.
Review of electric bus technologies and their charging systems, future developments, and key steps to consider for successful deployment to small and medium-sized school bus operators.
Latest CESBA updates, and electric school bus related work and news.
Learn about the issue of electric school buses in the Maritimes in this recorded webinar co-hosted in partnership with Ecology Action Centre.
Presentation and comparaison of the advantages and disadvantages of the various vehicle charging options available or in development.
Report quantifying the potential climate, health, and economic benefits of electric school buses adoption in BC and assessing the policy options to accelerate it.
Comprehensive overview of the U.S. electric school bus market with a catalog of electric school bus models available.
Checklist of elements to consider in the process of electrifying a heavy vehicle fleet.
White Paper reviewing the health and economic development opportunities for school bus electrification in Ontario and best practices elsewhere.
Presentation as part of the Electric School Bus Initiative about the U.S. EPA new Clean School Bus Program and the ways to leverage it for your school district and community.
Template pitch deck developed as part of the Electric School Bus Initiative for people to use in promoting electric school buses to their school districts and communities.
Guide developed as part of the Electric School Bus Initiative to help school districts prepare for discussions with their electric utility about school bus electrification.
Discussion with community leaders who work to bring the benefits of electric school buses to their schools to learn about their motivations, obstacles, path to solutions and other solutions in their journey.
Resource library for municipal stakeholders working on electric vehicles deployment.
Interactive online resource to establish a current and shared knowledge base for worldwide commercially available offerings of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Factsheet about the health impacts of diesel, gasoline and propane school buses and the benefits of transitioning New Brunswick’s school bus fleet to fully electric.
Review of the adverse effects of traffic-related air pollution on human health and the prevention and protection measures that can be taken to improve the associated health outcomes.
Recommendations of themes for decolonization of power structures and empowerment of indigenous communities needed to guide planning and development towards achieving a zero-emissions energy sector by 2035 in Canada.
Overview of the links between environmental justice and heavy-duty transportation, and recommendations on the Action Plan of the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Task Force led by the NESCAUM.
Modelling study exploring two scenarios to zero-emissions electricity by 2035 in Canada.
Progress from Our Northern Neighbors in Prince Edward Island
Recommendations to facilitate the electrification of school buses in Québec emanating from the work done in the context of the My Electric Bus campaign.
Presentation of the My Electric Bus campaign, aimed at sensitizing and supporting the various players in the school transportation sector in its transition to electrification.
Discussion with Stéphane Pascalon, expert in vehicle electrification, on the benefits and aspects of transportation electrification in Quebec as part of the My Electric Bus campaign.
