Electric School Bus Pilot Program Program Guide August 18, 2017 - Grants Ontario
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Electric School Bus Pilot Program
Program Guide
August 18, 2017
Disponible en français
1Pilot Overview:
An initiative of the Climate Change Action Plan, the Electric School Bus Pilot Program
(the “ESB Pilot” or “Pilot”) aims to demonstrate if Electric School Buses (“ESBs”) can
operate reliably and cost effectively across Ontario in all weather conditions, and also
determine constraints to their acquisition and deployment by School Bus Operators.
School Bus Operators are invited to apply for funding to replace a diesel bus with an
ESB and purchase the necessary charging infrastructure for its operation. Funding is
limited to one ESB per Applicant. As a condition of funding, successful Applicants will be
required to facilitate the collection of ESB performance data by a third-party researcher
retained by the Ministry of Transportation to perform analysis in support of the aims of
the ESB Pilot.
Guide:
The purpose of this Guide is to describe the ESB Pilot and outline requirements for
School Bus Operators intending to submit an application for an ESB project, i.e., the
purchase of an ESB and related charging infrastructure. Each School Bus Operator may
submit one Application only.
To be considered for ESB Funds, Applicants must meet the criteria set out in this Guide.
Applications:
Applications must be submitted through Grants Ontario:
http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantsHome/.
The deadline to submit an Application is 5:00:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday October 13, 2017.
How to Reach Us:
By Mail: Electric School Bus Pilot Program
Passenger Transportation Office
Ministry of Transportation
777 Bay St, 30th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J8
By Email: ESBprogram@ontario.ca
By Phone: 1-888-310-1028
2Table of Contents
PART 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 4
a. Proposed Key Dates ............................................................................................ 4
b. How to Reach Us ................................................................................................. 5
PART 2: ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM OVERVIEW .......................... 6
a. Objectives ............................................................................................................ 6
b. Length of ESB Pilot and ESB Projects ................................................................. 6
c. Funding ................................................................................................................ 6
PART 3: PROGRAM CRITERIA ................................................................................... 7
a. Eligible Applicants ................................................................................................ 7
b. Project Eligibility Criteria ...................................................................................... 7
c. ESB Project Requirement to Collaborate with Researcher .................................. 7
d. Ownership and Operation of ESBs and Related Infrastructure ............................ 8
Part 4: TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 8
a. ESB Technical Requirements .............................................................................. 8
b. EVSE Technical Requirements ............................................................................... 8
c. Other Requirements ............................................................................................... 9
Part 5: FINANCIAL MATTERS ................................................................................... 10
a. Eligible Project Expenditures .............................................................................. 10
b. Ineligible Project Expenditures ........................................................................... 10
c. Payment Schedule ............................................................................................. 10
PART 6: APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS.................................................... 11
a. Submitting an Application................................................................................... 11
b. Selection Process and Evaluation Considerations ............................................. 12
a) Notification and Clarification............................................................................... 15
d) Agreement ......................................................................................................... 16
PART 7: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 16
PART 8: INFORMATION AND NOTICES ................................................................... 18
APPENDIX A: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................. 19
APPENDIX B: DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................... 24
3PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Ontario’s 2016 Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) prioritized the transition to a low-
carbon economy. As part of the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy
Act, 2016, a cap-and-trade program was established, with proceeds from quarterly
auctions used to fund the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account (GGRA). The Act
requires that GGRA funds are used for initiatives that will reduce or contribute to the
reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The Electric School Bus Pilot Program (the “ESB Pilot” or “Pilot”) was established as a
CCAP initiative and is funded through the GGRA. The purpose of the Pilot is to
determine the operational feasibility, benefits and constraints to the deployment of
Electric School Buses (“ESBs”) within School Bus Operator (“Operator”) fleets across
Ontario in a range of weather conditions.
For the purposes of this Guide, an Applicant’s plan to purchase and deploy an ESB, as
described in their Application, is referred to as an ESB project. The Pilot will provide
funding for School Bus Operators to carry out projects, i.e., the purchase of an ESB and
related charging infrastructure, in a minimum of five municipalities chosen by the
Ministry of Transportation (“Ministry”).
The Pilot also includes a research component in which an Independent Researcher (the
“Researcher”) will be retained by the Ministry to collect data from Operators receiving
ESB funding and perform analysis of this data in support of the Pilot’s objectives, listed
in Part 2a.
This Guide defines the requirements, eligibility criteria and details of the ESB Pilot for
Operators who apply for ESB Funding (the “Applicants”).
Throughout this Guide electric vehicle charging stations are referred to as Electric
Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
a. Proposed Key Dates
The proposed schedule below is tentative and may be changed by the Ministry in its
sole discretion at any time. Applicants are encouraged to check the Ministry’s website
regularly to stay current, at the following URL:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/vehicles/electric/index.shtml
Activity Deadline
Application Deadline 5:00:00 p.m. (EDT), October 13, 2017
Recipients Announced November 15, 2017
Agreements Finalized November 30, 2017
Deadline for receipt of ESB and EVSE December 15, 2017
purchase orders
4b. How to Reach Us
By Mail: Electric School Bus Pilot Program
Passenger Transportation Office
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
777 Bay St., 30th Floor
Toronto ON, M7A 2J8
Attn: Ashley Thomas
By Email: ESBprogram@ontario.ca
By Phone: 1-888-310-1028
5PART 2: ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
a. Objectives
The objectives of the ESB Pilot are to:
Assess the viability of ESBs across the province within a wide range of weather,
route and site conditions;
Assess the performance of ESBs relative to specifications provided by
manufacturers;
Determine costs, benefits and constraints to Operators incorporating ESBs within
their fleets;
Develop a general business case for the adoption of ESBs;
Assess the logistical considerations of EVSE in the unique context of student
transportation;
Determine the impact on local electricity grids and technical considerations for the
use and installation of EVSE;
Evaluate the potential to reduce GHG emissions through the replacement of
diesel school buses with ESBs; and
Determine air quality, noise and health co-benefits of ESBs.
Reporting submitted by Recipients and data collected by an Independent Researcher
will be used to develop an evidence-based assessment of ESBs in the Ontario context.
All findings will be published, including the general business case for adoption of ESBs
by School Bus Operators.
b. Length of ESB Pilot and ESB Projects
Subject to any necessary appropriation from the Ontario Legislature and government
approvals being received, the ESB Pilot and its constituent ESB Projects will run for a
19-month period from December 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019. This period includes the time
required by Recipients to purchase, install, test, and deploy equipment, as well as time for
an Independent Researcher to acquire, deploy, test, and configure telematics, collect
performance data, perform analysis and publish results. Despite the above, changes may
be made to the length and starting or end date, or both, of the ESB Pilot and any ESB
Project at the Ministry’s sole discretion.
c. Funding
The maximum funding that may be provided to a Recipient under the ESB Pilot for an
ESB Project is $400,000. The application process is competitive, and not all projects
will receive funding.
6PART 3: PROGRAM CRITERIA
a. Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for funding under the ESB Pilot, an Applicant must be:
A School Bus Operator that provides public or private school student
transportation in Ontario;
An entity that is legally capable of contracting; and
Registered with Ontario’s enterprise registration system and, as part of the
registration process, has provided a valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
business number.
Ontario-based public transit agencies providing student transportation services are not
eligible for this Pilot.
b. Project Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for funding, an ESB project must:
Be carried out from December 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019, unless otherwise
agreed upon by the Ministry in writing and at the Ministry’s sole discretion;
Not exceed the maximum allowable funding amount of $400,000, as described in
Part 2: Electric School Bus Pilot Program Overview;
Procure a new, purpose-built ESB and meet criteria set out in Part 4: Technical
Requirements;
Select a location for EVSE installation in a garage or yard owned by the Applicant
or, in the case of a leased location, the primary maintenance or storage location
of the Applicant. In the case of a leased location, “primary location” refers to the
location where the highest proportion of an Applicant’s fleet is stored, maintained,
or both; and
Meet all other requirements specified in Part 6: Application and Review Process.
c. ESB Project Requirement to Collaborate with Researcher
As a condition of funding, an ESB Project must assist in the research component of the
ESB Pilot. To that effect, ESB performance data will be collected from all Recipients by
an Independent Researcher.
Assistance that Recipients will be required to provide to the Independent Researcher
may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Consent to have an external telematics device installed on the ESB for the duration
7of the ESB Pilot, and possibly also on a diesel-powered bus that is already part of
the Applicant’s existing fleet, selected as an experimental control, in order to gather
real-time performance data;
Consent to allow configuration of the telematics device(s) during a testing period
identified by the Independent Researcher, to ensure data quality and consistency;
Consent to have performance data downloaded from the telematics device(s) for
analysis over the term of the Pilot; and
Participation by an ESB driver, ESB maintenance staff, and fleet manager in an
interview.
All performance data and interview results will be used exclusively for analysis in support
of the ESB Pilot objectives detailed in Part 2a. Recipients will retain ownership of their
raw performance data. Telematics devices will be removed at the conclusion of data
collection by the Researcher; all data will be stripped of identifying information where
applicable prior to the publication of research results.
d. Ownership and Operation of ESBs and Related Infrastructure
As a condition of funding, Recipients are required to continue their ownership and
operation of the ESB and EVSE after the conclusion of the ESB Pilot, subject to
disposal of assets provisions set out in the Agreement.
Part 4: TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
a. ESB Technical Requirements
To meet technical requirements and be eligible for ESB Funding, an ESB must:
Be purchased by the Recipient;
Be a new, purpose-built 100% battery-electric school bus;
Meet both the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) and Canadian
Standards Association’s (CSA) D250-16 standard for school buses;
Be capable of using a J1772, J1772 Combo or a Chademo plug for charging; and
Have a standard interface to plug in an external telematics unit.
Retrofitted diesel or hybrid-electric school buses are not eligible for funding.
b. EVSE Technical Requirements
Applicants are responsible for:
Selecting and purchasing a commercially-available Level 2 EVSE that is
compatible with their ESB, configured for input at 70 – 80 Amps or as
8recommended by the ESB manufacturer;
Ensuring the EVSE is rated for outdoor operation by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters
Laboratories of Canada (ULC), or other certification marks approved by the
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA);
Upgrading site utilities as required to support charging;
Obtaining all necessary site, building and utility inspections and approvals; and
Installing the EVSE in accordance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and
ensuring the EVSE is inspected and approved by the Electrical Safety Authority
prior to use.
Notifying the Local Distribution Company (LDC) when and where the EVSE will
be installed.
Please note that smart EVSE models with programmable charge times are eligible for
funding and may provide cost savings for electricity consumption (depending on duty
and charging cycles).
Unless recommended by the ESB manufacturer, Level 2 EVSEs configured for input at
30 – 40 Amps are not eligible for ESB Funds. Level 3 EVSE direct current (DC)
chargers are also not eligible for ESB Funds.
c. Other Requirements
In addition to the technical requirements set out in this Guide, for a project to be
eligible for funding under the ESB Pilot, the following requirements must be met:
Driver training must be delivered before ESBs are in service;
Mechanic training must be delivered before ESBs are in service; and
ESB Project information must be conveyed by the Recipient to the appropriate
Transportation Consortium representative.
Note that driver and mechanic training may involve travel offsite to the manufacturer’s
production facility, and is estimated to require two to three days to complete. As noted in
Part 5b, travel for this purpose is not an eligible expense for ESB Funds.
Recipients will be responsible for ensuring drivers, mechanics, and fleet managers have
the resources and expertise required to carry out the ESB Project. Repairs, replacement
parts, and any technical or mechanical issues arising during the Pilot are the sole
responsibility of the Recipient to resolve with the equipment manufacturer or a
manufacturer-recommended dealer or service centre.
9Part 5: FINANCIAL MATTERS
Any amount of ESB Funds provided to an Operator will be subject to adjustment as set
out in the Agreement.
Although this may be modified at the sole discretion of the Ministry, the Ministry’s intent
is for ESB Funding to be provided as follows:
a. Eligible Project Expenditures
Subject to the terms and conditions of an Agreement, the following costs will be eligible
for ESB funds:
The purchase price of one ESB that meets the technical requirements specified in
Part 4a, with configuration choices specified by the Recipient in their Application
and as detailed in the Agreement; and
The purchase, installation and electrical inspection costs of a single Level 2 EVSE
model selected by the Recipient in accordance with the technical requirements
provided in Part 4b.
b. Ineligible Project Expenditures
Subject to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and without limitation, the following
costs are examples of costs that will not be eligible for ESB funds:
Delivery cost of any purchased equipment;
Electricity charges incurred by Operators to charge ESBs;
Regular maintenance costs associated with ESBs;
Replacement of faulty or damaged ESB or EVSE parts and equipment;
Shipping costs for replacement ESB or EVSE parts;
Travel costs or fees associated with Operator staff attending training; and
Any other costs as determined by the Ministry from time to time and in its sole
discretion.
The aforementioned list is not exhaustive and is only intended as a general guideline. If
unsure whether or not a particular cost is eligible, please contact the Ministry for
clarification prior to incurring the cost.
c. Payment Schedule
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and at the Ministry’s sole
discretion, the Ministry intends to provide the Recipient with ESB Funds in two
installments as described below.
10First Installment
For the first installment, up to 80% of the ESB purchase price and up to $2,000 towards
the purchase, installation, and electrical inspection of the EVSE, upon receipt and
acceptance by the Ministry of:
A letter of assent from a Transportation Consortium confirming awareness of and
agreement with the Applicant’s participation in the ESB Pilot (not required if the
Applicant’s contract for student transportation services is with a private school);
and
A copy of a purchase order from the ESB manufacturer and a copy of a purchase
order from the EVSE manufacturer.
Second Installment
For the second installment, up to the remaining funding of the ESB purchase price and
total remaining costs incurred for the purchase of EVSE, electrical inspection and
installation, subject to the maximum of $400,000 in allowable funding for a project, upon
receipt and acceptance by the Ministry of:
The final invoices for the ESB and EVSE, and the installation and electrical
inspection of the EVSE.
PART 6: APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
An Operator applying for funds under the ESB Pilot to run an ESB Project must submit
an Application that provides information about the project. The Ministry will review the
Applications from all Applicants and choose the projects that best meet the criteria set
out in this Guide. Once the Ministry chooses a project, the Operator will be required to
enter into an Agreement with the Ministry prior to receiving funding.
No ESB Funds will be disbursed prior to the effective date of an Agreement.
a. Submitting an Application
Applicants are required to submit a completed Application Form through Grants
Ontario: http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantsHome/
The deadline to submit an Application is 5:00:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday October 13, 2017.
Applications must comply with the requirements set out in this Guide.
11b. Selection Process and Evaluation Considerations
ESB Funding will be awarded through a competitive process. Firstly, Applications will be
scored and ranked. The criteria set out below will be used to rank the Applications.
Secondly, the highest-ranked Applications which, based on their location, route type
and Operator fleet size, when taken as a whole, best enable the objectives of the ESB
Pilot to be met, may, at the Ministry’s sole discretion, be chosen for funding.
The Ministry reserves the right to accept, at its sole discretion, additional applications
that offer unique testing and research opportunities, pending funding availability.
Application Evaluation
Applications will be evaluated based upon the Applicant:
Experience in student transportation in Ontario;
Financial record; and
Capacity to deliver the project.
These components provide Applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate their
capabilities and capacity to successfully deliver an ESB project, including their ability to
continue operating an ESB after the conclusion of the Pilot, subject to disposal of asset
provisions in the Agreement.
Applicant Experience (40%)
Applicants will be evaluated based upon their experience in student transportation in
Ontario. Applicants’ qualifications will be assessed based on the following, including but
not limited to:
Number of years operating school bus services in Ontario;
Description of qualifications and experience or current CV, or both, of the manager
at the office location where the intended ESB project will be administered;
Description of qualifications and experience or current CV, or both, for fleet
manager, driver(s) and technician(s) assigned to the ESB;
List of private schools and Transportation Consortia with whom the Applicant has
previously and currently contracted;
Effective dates and term of existing contract(s) to provide student transportation
services;
Daily number of students transported and number of serviced routes during the 2016
- 2017 school term;
Assigned number of students and serviced routes at the beginning of the 2017 -
122018 school term;
Copy of public CVOR abstract (Level 1);
Equipment currently used by the Applicant:
o total number of school buses in fleet;
o average age of school buses in fleet;
o number and type (A, B, C, D) of school buses;
o number of buses in active service within current contract(s);
o number of alternative fuel school buses and type in fleet, if applicable; and
Route information (2017 – 2018 school year) for the municipality in which the
Applicant intends to run an ESB project:
o number of serviced routes;
o route lengths (shortest and longest route lengths, average route length);
o proportion of routes with more than one run (%);
o proportion of routes with more than two runs (%);
o minimum distance between stops for all routes (km); and
o maximum distance between stops for all routes (km).
Applicant Financial Record (25%)
Applications must include a copy of the Applicant’s most recent audited financial
statements. If the Applicant does not have up-to-date audited financial statements, the
balance sheet and income statement for the most recent fiscal year will be accepted as
an alternative. The statement will be evaluated and the analysis will form part of the
Application evaluation process.
Capacity to Deliver an ESB Project (35%)
Applicants will be evaluated on their capacity/ability to deliver an ESB project based on
the following components:
Proposed ESB deployment plan, including descriptions of the following:
o Expected training requirements and schedule (drivers, maintenance,
management, etc.);
o Roles and duties of staff assigned to the ESB project;
o Projected test drive schedule;
o Date for active service introduction;
o Communication plan with students, parents, public, etc.;
13 Projected budget for eligible ESB expenses;
Projected budget for ineligible ESB expenses during the Pilot (e.g. delivery charges,
travel for attendance at training, monthly electricity charges, etc.);
Contingency plan to ensure continuous service (buses or charging) during the
project in the case of disruption due to technical issues, weather, parental concerns,
repairs, delay in delivery, etc.;
Identification of nearest service location partnered with ESB manufacturer;
Description of three assigned routes for the 2017 – 2018 school term with potential
for the Applicant’s intended ESB deployment, where similarity of route
characteristics is considered an important scoring metric. Descriptions should
include:
o route maps and locations;
o route lengths, number of runs/day;
o number of pick-up locations for each route;
o daily number of students transported for each route;
o expected daily driver hours for each route;
EVSE requirements including:
o description of intended location of EVSE installation on garage/yard site;
o rationale for choice of garage/yard facility, if more than one facility is owned
by the Applicant;
o confirmation of property ownership or confirmation of permission from land
owner if site is leased by the Applicant;
o length of lease and description of terms of leasehold improvement/restoration
after lease expiry (if applicable);
o years of use of the facility by the Applicant;
o site security features;
o other site uses (e.g. parking only, maintenance facility, etc.);
o proposed ESB charging schedule;
Experience using telematics data, if applicable;
o make and model of telematics used;
o date/timeframe for implementation and use;
o purpose of telematics use;
o experience with installation of telematics? (Y/N);
o experience with data collection from telematics? (Y/N);
o staff intended to be assigned to the ESB project are experienced with
14telematics? (Y/N);
Participation in a previous research project (project description: dates, researcher,
purpose of project, and summary of research results);
Additional information including description of any unique qualification to deliver an
ESB Project; and
Innovative options that would benefit the ESB Pilot and improve outcomes (please
reference pilot objectives in Part 2a).
Selecting Applicants to Ensure a Diversity of ESB Projects
As mentioned above, the highest-ranked Applications which, based on their location,
route type and Operator fleet size, when taken as a whole, best enable the objectives of
the ESB Pilot to be met, may, at the Ministry’s sole discretion, be chosen for funding. The
criteria set out below will be used to rank the Applications.
Criteria to ensure a diversity of ESB Projects include:
Location in Ontario according to consortia regional assignment (Southwest,
Central, GTA, East, North East, North West);
Name of applicable single- or lower-tier municipality;
Route type proposed for ESB deployment (as detailed in the previous section);
Size of Operator fleet in Ontario:
o small (1 - 29 buses)
o medium (30 – 300 buses)
o large (more than 300 buses)
a) Notification and Clarification
Once a decision has been made, the Ministry will notify each Applicant, in writing,
whether or not the Applicant and its project have been chosen for funding under the
ESB Pilot.
As part of the Application review process, the Ministry may seek clarification and
supplementary information. The clarification and additional information received from the
Applicant will form an integral part of the Application. The Ministry may elect not to
consider an Applicant whose Application, in the Ministry’s opinion, contains
misrepresentations or any inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information.
15d) Agreement
A Recipient whose ESB project has been chosen for funding will be required to enter
into an Agreement. In addition to confirming the ESB funds for which the Recipient may
be eligible, the Agreement will set out the terms and conditions upon which the Ministry
will provide the ESB Funds to the Recipient and by which it will be bound.
Furthermore, under the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Recipient will be
required to provide the Ministry with copies of the appropriate documentation
designating the signing officers for and authorizing the execution of the Agreement, and
any certificates of insurance, or other proof the Ministry may request to confirm the
insurance coverage required pursuant to the Agreement. The documentation and any
insurance certificate will need to specifically reference the ESB Project.
For greater clarity, the Application process, including notice to the Recipient that its ESB
project has been chosen, does not constitute a legally binding offer to enter into an
Agreement on the part of the Ministry.
PART 7: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Reporting requirements will be specified in the Agreement. These may include the
reports listed below, the information and due date for which the Ministry may change at
its sole discretion.
1. Project launch report
The project launch report may be due March 1, 2018, and include:
Date of receipt of ESB and specifications of model;
List of any product defects or issues upon delivery;
Location of nearest service centre partnered with ESB manufacturer;
Date of receipt and specifications of EVSE model purchased;
Date of installation and electrical inspection of EVSE;
Description of installation location, trenching, and any “rough in” for future
expansion if applicable;
Route to be serviced by ESB;
Confirmation of names and roles of staff responsible for ESB deployment;
Date and location of participation in driver, technician, and fleet management
training sessions; and
Any other information that the Ministry may require.
162. Mid-term report
The mid-term report may be due on October 31, 2018, and include:
Summary of ESB experience during the 2017 – 2018 school year;
Details of route changes, if applicable;
Details of maintenance and repair work for ESB and/or EVSE;
Number of days ESB and/or EVSE was out of service, if applicable, and any
relevant issues encountered running a diesel bus replacement; and
Any other information that the Ministry may require.
3. Final report
The final report may be due on March 31, 2019, and include:
Summary of ESB experience during the Fall of 2018 and Winter of 2019 (2018 –
2019 school year);
Details of route changes from the previous school year, if applicable;
Details of maintenance and repair issues encountered;
Number of days ESB was out of service, if applicable, and any relevant issues
encountered running a diesel bus replacement;
Intended future service role of ESB; and
Any other information that the Ministry may require.
Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Ministry, all reports provided by a Recipient
will have to be signed by a senior official from the Recipient. The reports a Recipient
submits will also have to be completed to the Ministry’s satisfaction. Reports will be
shared with the Researcher to support analysis and the general aims of the Pilot.
17PART 8: INFORMATION AND NOTICES
For questions/information regarding the ESB Pilot please contact the Ministry,
Passenger Transportation Office, by phone at 1-888-310-1028
or by email at ESBprogram@ontario.ca .
Notices and exchange of documents between the Ministry and a School Bus Operator
for matters related to the ESB Pilot must be in writing and delivered by email, postage-
prepaid mail (regular mail) or personal delivery (including prepaid courier), and must be
addressed to the Ministry as set out below:
To the Ministry:
Mailing Address: Electric School Bus Pilot Program
Passenger Transportation Office
Ministry of Transportation 777 Bay St., 30th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2J8
Attention: Ashley Thomas
E-mail Address: ESBprogram@ontario.ca
To the School Bus Operator:
Notices to the School Bus Operator will be sent to the mailing address or email address
provided, as specified by the Operator in its Application for ESB funds.
18APPENDIX A: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account (GGRA)?
On May 18, 2016 the provincial government passed the Climate Change Mitigation
and Low-Carbon Economy Act, 2016 which established the GGRA to receive the
proceeds from Ontario’s Cap and Trade program. Initiatives that can be funded from
the account must reduce or support the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in
areas such as public transit, clean-tech innovation for industry, electric vehicle
incentives and housing retrofits.
2. How is GGRA funding different from Ministry of Education annual funding for
student transportation services?
Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) initiatives such as the ESB Pilot are funded
from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account (GGRA), funds which are contingent
on proceeds from quarterly cap and trade auctions. As noted above, GGRA funds
are mandated to be spent on initiatives that reduce or support the reduction of
GHGs. This is a separate funding stream, distinct from Ministry of Education funding
for student transportation services.
3. What are the different types of ESBs?
ESBs are available in Type A, C and D configurations. Type B buses can also be
manufactured but the Ministry is not aware of any available on the market at this
time.
4. What is EVSE?
Electric vehicles plug into EVSE (“electric vehicle supply equipment”) to recharge
their batteries. EVSE is more well-known as a “charging station”.
5. What are the different types of EVSE?
There are three types of EVSE depending on their power output:
Level 1 EVSE is a 120 volt (V) alternating current (AC) EVSE. Due to long
charging times associated with their low power ratings, Level 1 EVSE is not a
suitable option for use with ESBs.
Level 2 EVSE is a 208 – 240 volt (V) alternating current (AC) EVSE. Level 2
EVSE is generally configured to deliver 30 – 80 amps of current. ESBs may
require a higher level of current (70 – 80 amps) to achieve the charge times
specified by an ESB manufacturer; this is about twice the level found at most
Level 2 public charging stations.
19 Level 3 EVSE is a direct current (DC) vehicle charger with a high voltage - up to
480 volts.
6. Where are ESBs currently operating in Ontario or Canada?
The Ministry is aware of only one ESB currently in operation in Ontario. In Quebec,
approximately 50 Type C ESBs are in service. Alberta has one Type C ESB in
service.
7. Which manufacturers of ESBs are recommended?
The Ministry does not recommend any specific manufacturer. Per Part 4: Technical
Requirements, the Applicant should ensure that the selected ESB meets the
required specifications.
8. Is leasing of ESBs and/or EVSEs permitted?
In order to support the ESB Pilot objectives, lease arrangements for ESBs and/or
EVSE are not permitted. As a condition of funding, Recipients are required to
continue their ownership and operation of the ESB and EVSE after the conclusion of
the ESB Pilot, subject to disposal of assets provisions set out in the Agreement.
9. What is the difference between an ESB and a regular diesel bus?
A fully electric school bus is powered by an electric powertrain with a battery, and
uses an external electricity source to recharge the battery. Hybrid ESBs are also
available and can be powered by a combination of electric battery packs and
another power source such as propane, compressed natural gas, gasoline or diesel.
10. Are retrofitted ESBs eligible for funding?
The Canadian Standards Association D250-16 standards for school buses do not
permit the use of retrofitted school buses. As a result, ESBs retrofitted from diesel
are not eligible for funding within the ESB Pilot.
11. Can I use an ESB on any type of route?
Routes of all types can be served by an ESB. It is important to note that different
battery configurations may permit different vehicle ranges on a single charge. This
should be a key factor in selecting the route for the ESB. An ESB can also be used
on a range of topographically diverse routes and various road surfaces (e.g. gravel,
sand, paved). ESB range may be slightly better on routes with a lot of stops or
braking, since regenerative braking helps maintain a battery charge. Drivers may
choose not to go below a 10-15% battery charge in order to have a margin for
contingencies, just as a diesel bus will not completely empty its tank before refueling.
2012. What is it like to drive an ESB compared to a diesel bus?
Current users of ESBs report that they are quieter than diesel buses. ESBs are
designed to handle like a diesel bus but drivers report that they do perform differently
and that it takes some time to get used to reading gauges and understanding the
combination of time and kilometres reported for battery charge.
13. How much can I save on diesel fuel and maintenance by using an ESB?
The amount of savings possible will vary depending on the price of diesel fuel and
the price of electricity. Users should try to charge their ESBs when the price of
electricity is lowest. Maintenance costs for ESBs are estimated to be lower without
the need for operations such as oil changes, spark plug repairs, or diesel treatment
system maintenance. A 2014 University of Delaware study estimated that ESB
maintenance costs are roughly a fifth the cost of diesel school bus maintenance.
14. How does an ESB heat its cabin?
Some ESBs use an auxiliary fuel fire heater to heat the bus cabin. Systems can be
powered by diesel, propane or gasoline and as such, do not use any battery power
and have no impact of the range of the ESB.
15. How does cold weather affect the ESB’s range?
Some ESBs use a separate heating system to thermally manage their batteries,
keeping them at an optimum temperature and minimizing the effect of cold weather
on range. Currently, ESBs are successfully operating in cold weather in Alberta and
Quebec.
16. Is there a local service centre for ESB parts and repairs?
ESB manufacturers advise that most repairs are easily handled where they involve
parts and systems that are common to both ESBs and diesel school buses. ESB
manufacturers may also have partnerships with local service centres to ensure
efficient service of unique ESB requirements. An ESB manufacturer may also offer a
mobile team to handle more complex issues related to the electric powertrain or
battery system. Applicants are encouraged to inquire with manufacturers about these
arrangements in the course of their research.
17. What is covered in the training provided by ESB manufacturers?
Manufacturers may provide different training packages for drivers and maintenance
technicians. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about this in the course of their
research.
2118. Will there be funding in future years to support ESB purchases?
The outcomes of the Pilot will inform the development of future Climate Change
Action Plans.
19. Can I apply to purchase more than one ESB?
The Pilot allows for the purchase of one ESB per School Bus Operator. Applicants
may acquire more than one ESB in a single purchase; however, ESB Funds are
available to cover the cost of one ESB only.
20. Can I apply to purchase an ESB and Level 3 EVSE with DC fast-charging
capability?
Level 3 EVSE is not eligible for funding as part of the ESB Pilot.
21. What can I do to reduce my electricity costs for charging?
Charge the ESB during off-peak hours, a process potentially made easier by using a
smart, programmable EVSE model, and monitor the battery state of charge in order
to plan for off-peak charging. School Bus Operators are also encouraged to ask ESB
manufacturers for advice on this matter.
22. Can I use Level 2 EVSE that are part of the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario
(EVCO) program to charge an ESB?
Level 2 EVSE within the EVCO program are configured for input at 30 - 40 amps,
which is appropriate for personal vehicles but will generally result in long charge
times for ESBs. ESBs typically require EVSE configured for 70 - 80 amps.
23. Since the pilot requires a telematics unit to be installed on the ESB, who will
collect the data recorded? What will be done with the telematics unit and the
data?
An Independent Researcher retained by the Ministry will be responsible for installing
the telematics unit and collecting the recorded data. The data will be analysed by the
Researcher to provide an evidence-based assessment of the pilot objectives
described in Part 2a. Results will be used to inform a business case for the adoption
of ESBs by School Bus Operators, and inform future initiatives and Climate Change
Action Plans.
24. What “costs, benefits, and constraints to Operators incorporating ESBs within
their fleets” (Part 2a) will be considered by the Independent Researcher?
The Independent Researcher may estimate the annual savings in operational costs
that are possible with ESBs, determine how ESB and/or EVSE types and
22configurations influence costs, and analyse how key factors (such as size of
Operator fleet or length of serviced route) affect the viability and optimal use of
ESBs. A research design will be proposed by the Independent Researcher and
finalized in consultation with the Ministry.
25. Why do I need to install telematics on a diesel bus in my fleet as well?
Research is a key component of the ESB Pilot. Whether a telematics unit will need to
be installed on a diesel bus within an Applicant’s fleet will be determined by the
Independent Researcher as part of their proposed research design. Telematics
installed on a diesel bus might allow the Researcher to gather baseline data in order
to compare metrics with the ESB.
26. How will data and privacy be protected?
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Ontario (FIPPA) will
apply to the collection of data.
27. What are some considerations for installing EVSE?
EVSE funded by the ESB Pilot must be located at a garage or yard facility owned by
the Recipient, or in the case that a Recipient leases all its garage facilities, EVSE
must be installed in the Recipient’s primary location for parking or maintenance, or
both, with electricity charges billed to the Recipient. Security of the location, hours of
access, potential access barriers during severe weather or poor road conditions,
lease or rent requirements and/or special access requirements (e.g. swipe card,
keys, access code) are other considerations. An electrical inspection prior to
installation will ensure that EVSE is safely and appropriately connected to the local
electricity grid.
28. Can I configure my ESB purchase to have vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability?
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is in its infancy and there is no scope for it to be
deployed currently in Ontario. For this reason, though ESBs are beginning to
incorporate V2G features in the U.S., a V2G configuration is not eligible for funding
as part of the ESB Pilot.
29. If I have serious mechanical problems with my ESB, can I withdraw from
participating in the pilot?
In the case of serious mechanical problems that may be covered by product
warranty, Recipients are encouraged to contact the ESB manufacturer. Recipients
are responsible for repairs and maintenance of their ESB, and are expected to
continue their ownership and operation of the ESB and EVSE after the conclusion of
the ESB Pilot, subject to disposal of assets provisions set out in the Agreement.
23APPENDIX B: DEFINITIONS
When used in this Guide, the words set out below that import the singular include the
plural and vice versa:
“Agreement” or “Transfer Payment Agreement” means an agreement entered into
between the Ministry and a Recipient that sets out the terms and conditions under which
the Ministry agrees to provide ESB Funds to the Recipient, and includes any amending
agreement entered into pursuant to the agreement.
“Applicant” means a School Bus Operator that submits an Application.
“Application” means an application submitted by a School Bus Operator.
“Application Deadline” means 5:00:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday October 13, 2017.
“Electric School Bus” or “ESB” refers to a vehicle used for student transportation that is
propelled by an electric motor with a battery as the motor’s energy storage device. An
ESB uses an external electricity source to recharge the battery.
“ESB Funds” means the money the Ministry provides to a Recipient pursuant to an
Agreement; “ESB Funding” has the same meaning.
“ESB Pilot” or “Pilot” means the Ministry’s initiative to provide financial incentives to
introduce ESBs in the province and evaluate their operational and financial feasibility.
The results of the Pilot will help inform future action plans.
“ESB Project” means an ESB project described in an Operator’s Application for ESB
funding, including any modification to the project that has received the prior written
approval of the Ministry, and that has been chosen by the Ministry for funding under the
ESB Pilot.
“EVSE” refers to an electric vehicle charging station; a device used to provide electricity
to an electric vehicle for the purpose of charging the vehicle’s batteries.
“Guide” means the Electric School Bus Pilot Program Guide 2017, which the Ministry
may, at its sole discretion, amend from time to time.
“Independent Researcher” or “Researcher” means an individual or individuals with
whom the Ministry has a signed agreement to gather data, conduct analysis and
prepare milestone reports for the ESB Pilot.
“Local Distribution Company” or “LDC” refers to an electricity distributor operating in
Ontario and licensed to do so by the Ontario Energy Board.
“Ministry” means the Ministry of Transportation that is responsible for the administration
24of the ESB Pilot.
“Recipient” means an Applicant that has entered into an Agreement with the Ministry
under the ESB Pilot.
“School Bus” means a school bus or school purpose vehicle with a Ministry’s
inspection sticker.
“School Bus Operator” or “Operator” means a school bus operator duly and properly
licensed to operate School Buses, providing, under contract with one or more public or
private schools with programs recognized by the Ministry of Education in Ontario,
regular home to school student transportation.
“Transportation Consortium” or “Consortium” means an organization formed by co-
terminous school boards. Consortia are responsible for administering transportation
policies of member school boards, planning transportation services, and contracting
with School Bus Operators to provide student transportation services.
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