District reports fuel-cost savings from electric buses, but chargers failed in heat and vendor warranty issues remain
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Liberty Elementary's transportation supervisor reported lower diesel spending after electric-bus adoption but said several chargers overheated in direct sun and required warranty replacements; board members pressed vendor RWC to resolve shading and warranty issues and discussed training and long-term maintenance needs.
At the Jan. 12 Liberty Elementary School District governing board meeting, Transportation Supervisor Dandy Gates provided an update on the district’s electric-bus program. Comparing July–Dec 2024 (before EV buses) with July–Dec 2025 (after EV deployment), Gates said diesel fuel spending dropped from $60,283.76 to $20,038.72, a savings of $40,245; electricity costs for charging during the same period were $27,285.46, yielding a net savings of approximately $12,959.58 for the district in that comparison window.
Gates also reported part-cost savings (about $4,868) but noted bus maintenance for the fleet did not yet show savings because some non-EV buses required service during the same period. She said in-house maintenance for EV buses currently has no cost because warranties cover repairs, but after warranty expiration the district may need certified high-voltage training for mechanics.
A significant operational problem emerged: several charging stations overheated in direct sunlight during the hottest months, throwing error codes and putting buses into limp mode. Three chargers were already replaced under warranty and two more replacements were pending. Board members asked whether RWC (the vendor) had promised mechanic training and durable chargers compatible with Arizona heat; district staff said they are negotiating with RWC, exploring shading/wrap options, and that warranties would cover the replacements while the vendor works with the district on solutions.
Board members pushed RWC to provide durable solutions at the vendor’s cost if the chargers fail under expected local conditions. Members also discussed the grant that largely funded the buses, noting that returning federal grant funds can imperil future grant eligibility. The board did not approve additional spending at the Jan. 12 meeting but asked staff to continue warranty work and to report back on longer-term maintenance and training plans.