Replacing Diesel with Electric School Buses Benefits Climate & Public Health. Focus on large cities & older buses for maximum impact.
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| Harvard Study Quantifies Health & Climate Advantages. Replacing old buses in large cities offers the most significant impact. |
Boston, MA, May 29, 2024:
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals significant climate and health benefits associated with replacing diesel school buses with electric alternatives. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, estimates benefits of up to $247,600 per electric bus, with the greatest impact seen in large cities and for fleets replacing older buses.
"This study shines a light on the quantifiable health advantages of transitioning to electric school buses," says senior author Kari Nadeau, John Rock Professor of Climate and Population Studies. "Our findings demonstrate that electric vehicles, like electric buses, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution."
Healthier Children, Cleaner Planet
The research team compared the environmental impact of diesel and electric school buses. They analyzed carbon dioxide emissions from both tailpipes and electricity generation for electric models. Health impacts were assessed based on fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), linked to adult mortality and childhood asthma.
The study found that replacing a typical 2017 diesel bus with an electric one yields $84,200 in total benefits. This breaks down to $40,400 in climate benefits due to reduced carbon emissions, and $43,800 in health savings from cleaner air.
Location Matters: Bigger Cities, Bigger Benefits
The study highlights the importance of location. Large metropolitan areas experience the most significant health benefits due to the greater number of people exposed to cleaner air. Replacing a 2005 diesel bus with an electric one in a large city could generate up to $207,200 in health benefits alone.
"Dense urban areas with older diesel buses see the most significant cost savings and health improvements when electrifying their fleets," explains Nadeau. "This shift not only benefits public health but also improves the lives of those most impacted by air pollution, particularly racial minorities and low-income communities."
Further Research Needed: In-Cabin Air Quality
The study acknowledges the need for further research on the impact of electric school buses on children's exposure to air pollution while riding the bus. This additional data will be crucial for informing future policy decisions.
This groundbreaking research provides compelling evidence for the environmental and health benefits of transitioning to electric school buses. With significant cost savings and improved public health outcomes, electric buses offer a win-win situation for a cleaner planet and healthier communities.