A majority of U.S. parents would prefer their children ride on electric school buses instead of diesel-powered ones, according to a new survey conducted by Highland Electric Fleets, a leader in fleet electrification services. The poll, which surveyed parents of children aged 5 to 17 who ride school buses, revealed that 65% favor electric buses.
The findings come as only 2.5% of the nation’s more than 500,000 school buses are currently electric or “committed” to electrification—encompassing those funded, ordered, or already in operation.
The push for electric school buses is driven largely by health concerns, with 89% of surveyed parents ranking air quality and a safe, healthy commute among their top priorities. Most parents accurately identified electric buses as a cleaner alternative to diesel, producing fewer harmful emissions.
“Parents increasingly understand that electric school buses are not just a modern convenience—they’re an investment in their children’s health and the environment,” said Sue Gander, director of the World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative. “Reducing emissions through electrification creates safer commutes and a healthier future.”
Cost Concerns and Misconceptions
The survey also highlighted a knowledge gap surrounding the economics of electric buses. Among the 35% of parents who expressed a preference for diesel buses, cost was the primary concern. However, 34% of these parents indicated they would reconsider if shown that electric buses could save school districts and taxpayers money.
Duncan McIntyre, founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, emphasized the company’s commitment to making the transition feasible for districts of all sizes. “It’s exciting to see growing support for electric school buses among families nationwide,” McIntyre said. “We work hand-in-hand with district leaders to electrify fleets within their budgets, bringing cleaner and healthier transportation to communities—including rural and underserved areas.”
Key Findings
The survey uncovered additional insights into parents’ attitudes:
- Happier Commutes: 63% believe their children would enjoy riding electric buses more than diesel ones.
- Healthier Kids: 70% think electric buses could lower pediatric asthma rates, while 68% anticipate overall improvements in children’s physical health.
- Prioritizing Clean Transportation: 16% of parents ranked electric school buses as their top infrastructure priority, ahead of athletic facilities, building upgrades, administrative raises, and field trips.
Highland Electric Fleets aims to bridge the gap between cost concerns and the growing desire for cleaner school transportation by offering comprehensive electrification services for districts across the country.
This survey adds to the growing call for widespread adoption of electric school buses as a practical solution for reducing harmful emissions and ensuring safer, healthier rides for students.