Rural Districts Discuss the Move Toward Electric School Buses

Representatives from districts in Michigan and Illinois discussed the adoption of electric school buses in their fleets. Moderated by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin, the session kicked off the Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO East on Sunday. The session was sponsored by RIDE.

Kenni Jean Schrader, the transportation supervisor for Three Rivers Community Schools in Michigan, discussed the district’s journey toward EVs, which first started in 2016 when she began researching electrification. Three Rivers has a total 24 school buses in its fleet, two of which are electric. She expanded upon her experience in the June issue of School Transportation News.

Schrader said that the buses hit the road in January 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic-induced school closures, the two EV buses have saved the district a little more than $36,000 in fuel costs, which is about a 75 percent savings compared to diesel.

Learn more about their experience

Electric school buses are eligible for funding under the Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle Grant Program. Applications are due July 25, 2024.