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Board considers low-risk pilot of two used electric buses as diesel price and emissions rules change
Summary
Transportation staff described a low-cost opportunity to acquire two lightly used electric buses, advising a pilot test before larger investments; board members requested individual follow-up before a decision.
Orange County transportation staff described an opportunity to acquire two lightly used electric school buses at a reduced price and urged board members to consider a limited, low‑risk pilot before committing to a larger fleet change.
Justin, a transportation/facilities staff member, told the board the buses are pre‑owned with low miles and that the division could take two of those units in exchange for two diesel buses already on order. He said the dealer quoted a proposal that, after available tax credits, would cost the division less than the diesel buses on order and that the charging stations and any required retrofits were included in the vendor’s proposal as presented. Justin said batteries have an eight‑year warranty and that a full replacement pack is about $35,000.
Justin described the operational fit: predictable routes, parking for overnight charging and potential synergy with the division’s solar arrays. He warned the board that diesel engines face a likely price increase tied to upcoming EPA emissions rules and described alternative power options manufacturers are offering, including gasoline, propane and compressed natural gas variants. He said Thomas Built Bus (Daimler Trucks) is the manufacturer in the dealer’s proposal and that the dealer, Sonny Merryman, is a longtime regional Thomas dealer.
Board members raised safety and lifecycle questions: concerns about battery fire risk, battery replacement costs and charging‑station logistics were discussed. Justin noted one reported fire tied to a charging station incident in another jurisdiction and said the dealer reported no high‑voltage battery fire for this model. Board members asked for detailed written cost breakdowns; Justin offered a spec sheet and itemized totals.
No formal vote was taken. Several board members expressed skepticism and asked for individual follow-up conversations within the next week so a majority could decide whether to authorize staff to proceed before the federal tax credit deadline the presenter cited (Sept. 30). Staff said they have approval to purchase buses under existing purchasing authority but would seek board concurrence for this particular exchange if a majority of members wished to move forward.
