Consultants present electrification study showing most Jericho routes feasible for electric buses; infrastructure costs substantial

Consultants from Wendell Companies presented a fleet electrification study to the Jericho Union Free School District Board, laying out route‑by‑route feasibility, phased charging infrastructure and an incentives model that reduces the district’s near‑term out‑of‑pocket costs.

Adam Kaufmann, the presenting consultant, said the study modeled a 20‑bus fleet (16 route buses, four spares) and found “there’s only one route, one bus that drive a couple of routes that would not be able to be met with the range.” He described an analysis that includes route range margins, battery degradation assumptions and conservatively sized buffers to ensure reliability in cold weather.

The consultants proposed a multi‑phase charging plan. They said Phase 1 would install chargers to serve an initial set of buses and require significant up‑front electrical infrastructure (transformers and switchgear), with subsequent phases adding chargers and reducing per‑bus incremental costs as infrastructure is reused. The presentation included examples of incentive programs, noting NYSERDA vouchers for buses and chargers and federal tax incentives for charging equipment that are time‑limited.

Kaufmann also highlighted operational strategies: “If you avoid charging during those peak times and charge more at night … you can reduce your peak demand by about, 40%,” he said, describing smart‑charging strategies that lower utility upgrade needs. The board did not take formal action on the study; presenters described it as informational and recommended a formal design phase if the district chooses to proceed.