Unique Electric Solutions specializes in school bus repowers, and Director of Sales and Marketing, Victor Pliego, highlights the financial benefits of these conversions.
Pliego notes a rising interest in school bus repowers, particularly in New York and California, which offer substantial subsidies and incentives. "New York has been a pioneer in repowers, providing generous financial support to customers, school districts, and third-party operators," he explained. Recently, New Jersey and Texas have also shown interest in following suit.
Currently, all available funding for electric buses in New Jersey is allocated for new vehicles. However, Pliego suggests that it might still be possible to secure funding for a repower if it is completed before the bus is registered for road use—converting a new diesel bus to electric remains more cost-effective than purchasing a new electric bus.
For instance, a new diesel bus costs approximately $120,000, while a repower to electric battery operation costs around $185,000, totaling about $300,000. In contrast, the average cost of a new electric school bus is $400,000, offering significant cost savings. New York State covers over 80% of the conversion cost, a benefit not yet available in New Jersey.
A full new diesel bus conversion also comes with a comprehensive warranty covering all parts, Pliego added.
The wait for new electric school buses can exceed a year and a half, considering funding and ordering delays. In contrast, repower conversions can be completed in just four months.
For school districts evaluating the integration of electric buses into their fleets, Pliego recommends them for congested areas where frequent stopping and starting maximize regenerative braking and extend battery life. Electric buses also offer substantial maintenance savings: "We've found that the total cost of ownership for electric buses is nearly 70% lower than for diesel buses, primarily because electric systems require minimal maintenance—no oil changes, for example."
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Unique Electric Solutions: https://www.uesmfg.com/