What type of fuel is most commonly used in school buses?

The most commonly used fuel in school buses is diesel fuel or compressed natural gas (CNG). Diesel fuel has been a traditional choice for school buses due to its energy efficiency, longevity, and torque characteristics, making it suitable for heavy loads. CNG is gaining popularity as an alternative for its cleaner combustion and lower emissions compared to diesel, which is beneficial for urban environments and contributes to improved air quality.

While gasoline is used in some lighter vehicles and smaller buses, it does not provide the same power and efficiency required for larger school buses, particularly when handling the weight of passengers and the bus itself. Electric and biodiesel options are emerging but are not as widespread in current school bus fleets. Electric buses are still in the early adoption phase, and while biodiesel can be used in conjunction with diesel, it is not the primary fuel type. Thus, diesel and CNG remain the dominant fuels in school transportation.