Boston Installs 105 EV Chargers for Electric School Buses

Thousands of Boston students will soon breathe cleaner air on their way to school, thanks to a major investment in electric buses.

Orion Energy Systems just signed a $4 million contract to install 105 fast charging stations at Boston Public Schools' Freeport Bus Yard. The charging infrastructure supports the district's groundbreaking goal to electrify all 750 of its school buses, making it the largest school bus electrification program in the Northeastern United States.

The switch matters more than most parents realize. Every day, an estimated 21 million American students ride diesel-burning school buses that expose them to dangerous exhaust pollution linked to cancer, asthma, respiratory problems, and even brain development issues.

Children are especially vulnerable to this toxic air pollution because their bodies are still developing. Diesel exhaust contains particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, both proven to harm human health, with the youngest and oldest people facing the greatest risks.

Electric school buses eliminate all tailpipe pollution, meaning students, drivers, and nearby communities won't breathe harmful diesel emissions anymore. The quiet buses also reduce noise pollution while cutting greenhouse gas emissions compared to their diesel counterparts.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond cleaner air. Electric buses cost less to maintain because they have no engine or exhaust system to repair and experience less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.

Fuel costs drop too, depending on local electricity rates. Some districts even partner with utilities to feed power back into the grid when buses sit idle during high-demand periods, creating an additional revenue stream.

Research shows these health improvements translate to real classroom gains. Studies link reduced air pollution exposure to better student attendance and improved academic achievement, giving kids a better shot at success.

Boston's commitment shows what's possible when districts prioritize student health alongside environmental responsibility. As more charging stations come online, hundreds of yellow electric buses will soon glide silently through Boston neighborhoods, carrying precious cargo through pollution-free morning commutes.