• Many qualitative studies explain the benefits of switching over to electric buses.

• But, this is the first to quantify that electric buses can improve human and planetary health.

• To quantify this, researchers compared the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from diesel bus tailpipes with electricity generation and battery production in electric school buses.

• They also compared how respective emissions contributed to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), which is linked to adult mortality and childhood asthma.

• Electric buses produced 181 metric tons less carbon dioxide emissions than their diesel counterparts, amounting to $40,400 in climate benefits.

• In addition to reduced air pollution, mortality rates, and childhood asthma, electric buses are associated with $ 43,800 in health savings.

• However, the study could not assess the impact of in-cabin air pollution on electric buses, which requires further studies.

• Electric school buses have tangible benefits. 

• They can save and improve the lives of low-income communities and racial minorities who are affected by the health risks of air pollution.

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