Lynchburg City Schools, a small district in central Virginia serving nearly 8,000 students, is charging toward a cleaner, healthier future by transitioning one-third of its school bus fleet to electric.

According to Transportation Director Hope Watts, “The abundance of federal funding is what made this possible.” The district received over $10 million in federal funding from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program to replace 25 diesel buses with electric school buses and install charging infrastructure. In addition, the district expects to receive $1,000,000 in federal tax credits.

The district’s shift to electric is about more than just updating old vehicles—it’s about improving the school community.  The new electric buses will drive quietly through neighborhoods early in the morning.  The district will save the district $150,000 annually in fuel costs and have lower repair and maintenance costs.  Eliminating harmful tailpipe emissions from diesel buses provides direct health benefits to students who rely on school transportation every day.

By embracing electric buses now, the district is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation. Bus Driver Bert Smith said “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to move into the future. Eventually [bus electrification] is going to be inevitable. It gives us a head start. We will already be ahead of the game.”

Hope Watts offers this advice to districts exploring electrification: “Reach out to other districts. There are so many people out there willing to help. Go visit somebody that has electric buses. Drive them. See what their set up is and know that it can work for you.”

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