POWER SAFETY
Prioritizing Power Safety in Electric School Buses
By Brad Beauchamp
As EV Product Segment Leader at Blue Bird, I work closely with customers across the U. S. and Canada to ensure that our electric school buses not only meet performance expectations, but also the highest safety standards. With more than three decades of experience in the alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies space, I have seen the evolution of safety practices firsthand. From early work on biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells to leading EV fleet training for major OEMs, my perspective is shaped by long-term experience. And one thing is clear: safety remains the most important concern for school districts transitioning to electric vehicles. For many fleet managers and transportation directors, the move to electric brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Whether a district is just beginning to explore EVs or already preparing their yards and maintenance staff, the same core concerns consistently arise: battery safety, vehicle operation during emergencies, and overall familiarity with the system. At Blue Bird, we take those concerns seriously and provide the resources and engineering support districts need to move forward with confidence.
Addressing Common Safety Concerns Battery safety is the most frequently discussed topic. Many people are aware of thermal events or“ thermal runaway” scenarios involving lithium-ion batteries. These concerns are valid, especially given the amount of online content highlighting rare but dramatic incidents. However, it’ s important to understand that the battery technology used in electric school buses is essentially the same as the lithiumion systems powering phones, tablets, and laptops; devices most people carry and trust every day. Electric vehicles, including school buses, use well-tested battery systems governed by detailed safety protocols. The National Fire Protection Association( NFPA) has issued extensive guidelines for alternative fuel vehicles, and Blue Bird follows these best practices to the letter. We also provide an Emergency Response Guide that outlines how to handle our electric buses safely in the event of an accident. This guide is designed for drivers, first responders, and maintenance staff, giving them clear instructions to stay safe around the bus and prevent any contact with high-voltage systems. Finally, EV Product Launch Support and Technician Training are available for first-time users who want to prep their operation for electrification.
Simplicity in Emergency Procedures One of the most reassuring safety features of the electric school bus is its simplicity in emergency situations. If a bus needs to be shut down, turning off the ignition key will stop the flow of power to the battery. If the ignition key isn’ t accessible, the 12-volt battery disconnect( already familiar to most technicians) can be used instead. This isolates the energy stored in the battery packs and ensures that passengers, drivers, and emergency personnel are protected from high-voltage contact. These are not exotic or complicated procedures. In fact, they mirror the standard safety practices used for internal combustion engine vehicles. We’ ve worked hard to ensure that the EV safety protocols feel familiar to those already experienced with diesel and gasoline fleets.
Familiar Systems, Proven Components At Blue Bird, we’ ve partnered with industry leaders like Cummins to deliver electric school buses that use familiar components and controls. The controller used in the electric powertrain is the same one used in Cummins diesel engines, but reprogrammed to suit the EV application. This shared architecture greatly simplifies training and technical support. Our vehicles use Dex-Cool, a widely known coolant that has been in use for nearly 30 years. Paired with distilled or deionized water, this coolant supports a thermal management system that keeps the batteries within an optimal temperature range. These systems are very similar to those used in passenger cars, pickup trucks, and larger Class 4 – 8 electric trucks. Our experience spans multiple electric systems, including Cummins, Exro, and EcoTuned( through our Micro Bird Type A platform). While these systems vary slightly in layout, they share consistent core technologies( batteries, motors, inverters, converters) that are built and operated according to uniform standards. This approach reduces complexity and ensures a safe, reliable foundation across our EV offerings.
Experience and Scale Blue Bird currently has more registered electric school buses in service across the U. S. and Canada than any other manufacturer. That volume matters, because it means our systems are field-tested, proven, and widely supported. It also gives us a tremendous advantage in understanding how real-world conditions affect safety and maintenance over time. We’ ve also made it a priority to preserve familiarity within the driver’ s compartment. The layout, switches, and controls are in the same place as they are in our diesel or gas models. This minimizes retraining and helps drivers transition to electric without needing to relearn the basics. The steering, suspension, axles, brake systems, and wheels and tires are also the same. Whether a bus uses air or hydraulic brakes, the only significant change is that power assist is delivered electrically rather than mechanically. From a safety perspective, this consistency across systems reduces the likelihood of confusion and makes inspections more straightforward. At Blue Bird, safety is more than a product feature, it’ s our mission.“ Your Child’ s Safety Is Our Business” isn’ t just a tagline. It guides everything we do, from engineering decisions to training protocols.
Brad Beauchamp is EV Product Segment Leader for Blue Bird. Visit www. blue-bird. com for more information.
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