Page 17 - The Edge Back to School 2022

the right charger is important. A low-level charger may
take up to 18 hours to fully charge a bus, presenting a
potential problem, he said.

AASBO members who beat the August 19 deadline
have until October 2024 to buy the electric buses. But is
all takes time. Wisner said you don’t want the buses to
arrive before the charging infrastructure is in place.
Health Care
Temperature is a factor in how far electric buses can for
go about 100 miles in the summer, but by 2021 that has Educators
travel on a single charge. In 2015, transit buses could

been extended to 185 to 200 miles. “That shows you Strong, comprehensive health care
how far technology has come,” Wisner said. “Range that fits your school's budget
always has got to be considered.”
What if you could offer...

A savings, Wisner noted, is that electric motors last longer  The richest benefit plans for Arizona schools.
than diesels. They have fewer moving parts, minimal oil  A one-stop shop for all your employee health care
changes of hydraulic parts, and no sparkplugs. Even so, needs, including:
– Medical/prescription. – Life.
there is apprehension in purchasing electric buses for
– Wellness program. – EAP.
the first time, he said. – Dental. – COBRA.
– Vision.
“If you do decide to purchase electric buses, you will  Innovative member programs, including:
®
probably have to convert skill sets of your technicians,” – Teladoc . – Hinge Health.
™
Wisner said. “I encourage you, if an extended warranty – SkinIO .
is offered, buy it. Batteries are guaranteed for eight years.  The strongest national provider network available in
Arizona, which may include access to the
If you have a vehicle going 30-to-40 miles a day, you
Banner|Aetna network. This program provides efficient
will probably never have to change the battery. It will and effective patient care at a more affordable cost.
last 15 years.” Together, we’re transforming health care in Arizona!
...with ASBAIT, you can!
The savings on fuel is an estimated at 60% to 80%, At ASBAIT, we're helping Arizona educators and their
perhaps even higher with this year’s surge in gas prices. families to live healthier lives.
The saving on maintenance costs is about 40% to 60%, Need more information?
according to Wisner.
Contact:
FLAGSTAFF
FLAGSTAFF
Chuck Nelson
“This is only the beginning of the technological advances ASBAIT Sales Executive
we are seeing,” Wisner said. He noted the significant Meritain Health ®
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investment by automakers as they plan to have electric
chuck.nelson@meritain.com
vehicles account for 50% of their sales by 2030. “That’s 1.480.688.3284
the push. That will advance the technology,” he said. TUCSON N
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ASBAIT Schools l
Scott Wisner can be reached at : swisner@veregy.com or (602) 810-0010 Visit asbait.org | @asbaithealth | asbait
Ryan Voitik can be reached at: rvoitik@veregy.com or (602) 920-0383 www.meritain.com | © 2022–2023 Meritain Health, Inc.
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