By James Holtz
As school districts nationwide continue exploring zero-emission transportation, many are asking, “Why electrify,” or, “Who can help us do it safely, affordably, and with lasting support?” We answer those questions every day at RIDE.
For 2025 and beyond, our top priority is building mind share. We want school districts to think of RIDE not just as an electric option, but as a major player bringing quality, innovation, and support to the table.
Built for Safety from the Start
RIDE began as a battery company and evolved into an automotive manufacturer. We now design fully electric school buses from the ground up. Safety is paramount when transporting students. And, it is our first conversation with new customers.
When it comes to white papers on battery safety; we’re the ones who write them. We chose iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry for our batteries because of the superior safety and longevity it offers. Yes, we gain unmatched reliability and peace of mind as a result. When I tell a customer, “This is what I expect your range to be,” it’s typically in line with what they get.
Meeting the Financing Challenge
We’re committed to working with districts in creative and flexible ways to bring electric buses into reach. In the transit space, for example, we were the first to go to the FTA and propose leasing battery packs to offset the high upfront costs. This approach allows districts to purchase the body and chassis as a capital expenditure, while financing the battery portion over time based on operational savings, such as not having to buy diesel. It’s a more realistic total-cost-of-ownership model for today’s districts.
Infrastructure That Works for Your Power
When a district is starting from scratch, i.e. no chargers and no EVs, our approach is collaborative and tailored. First, we assess the available electrical service. Not every school facility has access to commercial-grade three-phase power, so we design for flexibility.
Originally, our vehicles used AC charging exclusively, with bidirectional inverters built right into the bus. Although DC fast charging has since become the standard, especially in transit, we offer both AC and DC charging capabilities in our school buses to meet a wider range of infrastructure capabilities.
We also advise districts to partner closely with their local utilities. In many areas, utilities are offering generous incentives to help offset infrastructure costs. After all, it’s a new revenue opportunity for them as fueling transitions from diesel to electricity.
Preparing Staff for the Transition
Introducing electric buses isn’t just about the equipment, it’s about empowering the people who use and maintain them. That’s why RIDE offers comprehensive training and safety programs for every level of school transportation staff.
We train operators how to drive the bus, and they learn techniques like regenerative braking to maximize range. Maintenance staff receive safety training, including lockout/tag-out procedures and how to handle high-voltage systems safely. We even work with local first responders to ensure they know how to approach an electric school bus during emergencies.
Importantly, we never ask our customers to service high-voltage components themselves. Those systems are clearly labeled and only serviced by certified RIDE technicians. We want our customers to focus on using the bus as a bus and to leave the complex parts to us.
A Safer Road Ahead
At RIDE, our mission is to make electrification possible and practical for every district, in every region. We’re expanding our dealer network, forging new partnerships, and ensuring that no school system feels left out of the zero-emission future.
From battery safety to funding strategies, infrastructure planning to training programs, we’re here to make the transition smooth, affordable, and most importantly safe.
James Holtz is regional sales manager for RIDE. Visit www.RIDE.co for more information.