Electric Buses

In cities all over the world, buses carry millions of people every single day. For a long time, most buses ran on diesel fuel, which produces dirty smoke and gases that harm the air we breathe. Today, many cities are replacing these old buses with electric ones. Electric buses run on large batteries instead of fuel, and they are much （ 1 ） for the environment.

Electric buses have several clear advantages. Because they do not burn fuel, they produce no smoke and help to make the air cleaner for everyone in the city. They are also very quiet, （ 2 ） the noise on busy streets. Passengers often say that the ride feels smoother and more comfortable. Over time, electric buses can save money too, because electricity is usually cheaper than diesel fuel and the buses need fewer repairs.

There are still some problems to solve. Electric buses are expensive to buy, and their batteries must be charged regularly, which takes time. Cities also need to build many charging stations for them. （ 3 ）, the price of batteries is falling year by year, and the technology keeps improving. Many experts believe that in the not-too-distant future, most city buses will be electric. Several large cities have already promised to use only electric buses within the next ten to fifteen years. Drivers often prefer them too, because they are quieter and more pleasant to operate. When that day comes, the air in our cities should be noticeably cleaner and the streets much quieter than they are today.