School buses in Manitoba could soon be running on greener energy, thanks to a technology developed at RRC Polytech. The college showed off a school bus that had been converted from a diesel engine to an electric one with the help of a conversion kit developed at the college. Jojo Delos Reyes, a program manager at RRC Polytech, said the technology could help school divisions save money in the long run on maintenance. “Right now, the cost of buying a new electric school bus is between $370,000 to about $430,000 Canadian, compared to buying a diesel counterpart, which is about $150,000,” he said. “The conversion kit that we developed for this one is about the same price as a new diesel bus, but the benefit is maintenance cost is lower, and then emissions is lower.” The project is a partnership between RRC, Seven Oaks School Division and Noble Northern. The division provided a bus in 2023 to RRC’s heavy equipment mechanic program to help convert the bus. Reyes said the conversion kit can also help school buses last longer, noting the average school bus has a lifespan of 12 years on the road. “What we’re trying to do here is we’re trying to extend the life of a school bus chassis in order for it to be more beneficial,” he said. Reyes said the conversion kit will also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 21.6 tonnes per year, and reduce fuel costs by up to $11,000. The college is hoping governments will amend laws to make converting school buses easier for divisions.
