Electric School Buses in NY Pose Major Problem, Leave Students in the Cold [WATCH]

Parents in a western New York school district are raising concerns about electric school buses after reports that students are riding in unheated vehicles during winter conditions, highlighting early challenges as the state moves forward with a mandate requiring school bus fleets to transition to electric power.

According to a report by WIVB-TV, families in the Lake Shore Central School District say some bus drivers have reduced or turned off heat on electric buses in an effort to conserve battery power.

Parents told the station that students have complained of extremely cold conditions during their rides to and from school.

“The kids are coming home saying their bus is freezing cold and the parents are giving them hand warmers,” WIVB reported.

New York’s statewide policy requires that all newly purchased school buses be electric, part of a broader effort to shift public transportation away from fossil fuels.

As districts begin implementing the policy, parents say the transition has exposed operational issues, particularly during colder months.

One of the primary concerns involves the design of the electric buses.

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According to WIVB, the heating systems draw power from the same battery source used to operate the vehicle.

Parents say this has led drivers to limit heat usage in order to maintain sufficient battery range throughout their routes.

Multiple parents interviewed by the station said they were aware of at least one instance in which an electric bus broke down during a route.

In those cases, students were left waiting in cold weather for replacement transportation.

“The bus broke down on route,” one parent told WIVB.

“They deployed a substitute bus, and the bus was more than 30 minutes late. My son stood outside for over 35 minutes waiting for a bus that wasn’t coming. Some of those kids are on there for upwards of a half hour or more while the bus makes its route.”

The parent added, “There’s no reason that the kids should freeze for all that time.”

Parents said these incidents have raised questions about reliability and safety, especially given the length of some routes and the winter conditions common in upstate New York.

Several noted that children can spend extended periods on buses before reaching school or home, increasing the impact of reduced heat or delays caused by mechanical issues.

The concerns come as electric vehicle adoption faces broader scrutiny nationwide.

Just one day before the WIVB report aired, Ford Motor Company disclosed that it would absorb a $19.5 billion financial hit related to its electric vehicle investments, citing slower-than-expected demand and rising costs associated with EV production.

Cold-weather performance has long been cited as a challenge for electric vehicles.

In 2024, PBS reported that “Cold weather can cut electric vehicle range and make charging tough,” a factor that can affect both private and commercial use of EVs.

New York’s electric school bus mandate was passed as part of the state’s climate and emissions reduction initiatives.

Supporters of the policy have argued that electric buses reduce pollution and long-term operating costs.

Critics, however, have questioned whether the technology is ready for widespread deployment in all regions and conditions.

Parents in the Lake Shore Central School District said they are seeking answers from school officials and transportation providers about how the district plans to address the reported issues.

Some have called for clearer communication regarding bus performance, contingency plans for breakdowns, and assurances that student comfort and safety will be prioritized during winter operations.

As of the WIVB report, district officials had not announced changes to the bus program, but parents said they expect the concerns to be reviewed as temperatures continue to drop.

The experience in Lake Shore reflects the broader challenges facing school districts nationwide as they implement electric bus programs under state and federal policies.

With winter conditions already testing the limits of battery-powered transportation, parents and educators are closely watching how districts adapt to ensure students are transported safely and reliably.