Electric School Buses Leave Kids Shivering in the Cold

In a small district near Buffalo, students are facing an unexpected challenge on their way to and from school. The culprit? New electric school buses that struggle to keep them warm during winter.

The Problem

Parents are frustrated because the electric buses' heaters are not effective in cold weather. The heaters draw power from the same source as the bus, reducing range and sometimes leaving students without heat.

Parents Step In

To combat the cold, parents have started providing their kids with hand warmers. In some cases, children have had to wait outside in freezing temperatures when the buses break down.

• Chris Lampman, a concerned parent, shared that his son waited over 30 minutes in the cold for a replacement bus.
• Lynn Urbino, a grandmother, was shocked when her grandson returned home freezing after a ride in an unheated bus.

School District's Response

The district has 23 electric buses, most of which were purchased with a federal grant. The superintendent insists that all buses comply with state regulations and maintain heat during trips. However, parents remain skeptical, arguing that the buses are unreliable in cold weather and that the mandate to switch to electric buses is causing more issues than it resolves.

State Lawmakers Take Notice

The issue has gained the attention of state lawmakers, who are pushing to amend the rules so that school districts can choose whether to purchase electric buses. They argue that the mandate is too costly and does not consider the unique needs of different communities.

Broader Challenges

The struggle with electric buses mirrors challenges faced by major car companies like Ford, which recently reported significant losses from its electric vehicle projects. This highlights the difficulties in transitioning to electric transportation.