Electric School Bus
Driving Toward A Greener, Safer Future
Driving Toward A Greener, Safer Future
School Bus Repower Request for Proposals
Forth and Oregon's Beaverton School District are seeking vendors with experience repowering a diesel school bus with an electric powertrain.
In an effort to accelerate Oregon's adoption of electric school buses, Forth is working with the Beaverton School district to convert a 2008 mid-life diesel bus to electric.
If you have experience with bus conversions or repowers, we want to hear from you! A link to the Request for Proposals (RFP) is below. You can also join us at our pre-bid webinar on November 2nd at 1:00 pm (PST) to ask your questions and find out more.
Oregon's First Electric School Bus Repower
Forth is leading Oregon’s first diesel to electric repower project in partnership with the Beaverton School District. Forth secured funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant to launch its electric school bus program. Through the program, Forth will help school districts across Oregon apply for federal funding available from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Forth has also partnered with the World Resource Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative to accelerate the adoption of electric school buses.
Contact Forth Sr. Program Manager, Adrian Gomez, for more information.
What Are Electric School Buses?
How are they different from traditional school buses?
Electric buses are powered by electricity rather than diesel, gas or propane. They have zero tailpipe emissions. This means they are safer for children and communities than school buses with internal combustion engines.
Where are electric school buses a good fit?
With an average range of 120 miles, they can cover most school bus routes. Currently, more than 600 electric school buses are operating in urban, rural and suburban school districts in the U.S. and Canada and are performing optimally in sub-zero temperatures.
How long do they take to charge?
The charge time with DC Fast chargers is generally around 2-4 hours. Bus batteries can be charged overnight with Level 2 chargers.
Is there funding available?
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program is providing a minimum of $2.5 billion nationwide over five years for electric school buses. Another $2.5 billion is also available for buses that may be either electric or propane.