Fleets have evaluated a variety of technologies at the early stages of feasibility. Zero-emission battery-electric school buses have historically been plagued with higher costs, low reliability, low range, and low technology transferability between applications. These barriers have not been adequately addressed because the development of this technology is costly, risky, and vehicle volumes are too low to bring in enough capital despite opportunities for emission reductions, air quality improvements, community health benefits, and operational savings opportunities.
Incumbent vehicle manufacturers controlling the market with polluting technologies like gasoline and diesel engines are not incentivized to develop technologies that would displace their current business models. Both the right partnerships and technologies are needed to leverage capital intense production lines already in existence for traditional school buses into producing battery-electric school buses. Technology, such as the Motiv Electric Powered Intelligent Chassis are needed for these traditional school bus lines to easily integrate zero-emission battery-electric powertrains.
This project allowed Motiv Power Systems to leverage its technology on the Ford F-59 platform into school bus applications with the Starcraft Quest XL body and explore the return on investment for an electric school bus compared to a fossil fuel powered school bus.
This project allowed the sales partner, Creative Bus Sales to expand their electric vehicle offerings to include the Starcraft Quest school bus. This project resulted in the bus being used in service at Colton Unified School District. The demonstration of the bus has resulted in the delivery of 18 Starcraft Quest school buses across California and Illinois.