School transportation could be changing for Virginia students in the coming years.
Electric school buses are being deployed by Dominion Energy Virginia.
Saving school division money and decreasing the amount of emissions released are a couple goals of the initiative, according to a release from the company.
If all goes according to plan, 50 buses will be operating by the later part of 2020.
By 2025, Dominion Energy hopes to have 1,000 buses online and make half of diesel bus replacements electric. It aims to have all diesel bus replacements be electric by 2030.
“We’re committed to lowering our carbon emissions, but we can’t do it alone,” Dominion Energy CEO Thomas Farrell, II said in a release. “Transportation is the number one source of carbon emissions in the US, and by partnering with this industry, we can expedite the development of innovative, cleaner, more sustainable solutions.”
Each diesel bus that’s replaced with an electric one is similar to removing about five cars from the road.
“Once again, Virginia is leading the way in promoting electric vehicle technology and improving our environment,” Governor Ralph Northam said in a release. “This innovative electric school bus program is one of many steps we are taking to make electric vehicles accessible to all Virginians, and we look forward to working with Dominion as they bring electric school buses to communities in all corners of our Commonwealth.”
Bids from bus manufacturers are going to accepted, starting in the upcoming weeks.
School divisions can learn about the electric school bus initiative by participating in a tele-town hall on September 4.
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) and Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) were not able to respond on Friday about whether they’re interested in the program.
Those interested in learning more information may visit Dominion Energy’s website or email ElectricSchoolBuses@DominionEnergy.com.
