First Electric School Bus in Alabama: That’s an exciting development! Tuscumbia City Schools is making history as the first school system in Alabama to introduce an electric school bus into its fleet. The recent celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Deshler High School marked the official debut of the Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER® C2 Jouley.
This groundbreaking move is part of the EPA Clean School Bus Program, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law providing funding of $5 billion over five years to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. Tuscumbia’s order was the inaugural one submitted to Thomas nationally.
President and CEO of Transportation South, Bucky Law, commended Tuscumbia City Schools for being trailblazers in transforming school transportation. The C2 Jouley is not just an ordinary bus; it’s emissions-free, silent as a whisper, and operates without relying on fossil fuels. This shift to electricity brings not only environmental benefits but also a more cost-effective and stable mode of operation.
The C2 Jouley boasts an impressive 138-mile operating range, a powerful 220 kWh capacity, and a quick charging time of 2-3 hours at a DC charging station. Tuscumbia City Schools Superintendent Russ Tate expressed excitement about providing a safer, cleaner school experience for students, drivers, faculty, and the community at large.
School buses are ideally suited for electrification due to their low daily mileage, predictable routes, and the ability to benefit both student health and the local community. Additionally, the downtime between routes allows for midday charging if needed, and the buses can even contribute power back to the grid during peak times. Tuscumbia City Schools is indeed leading the charge towards a greener and more sustainable future in school transportation.
READ MORE: Tuscumbia City Schools Leads Alabama Green Revolution: with First Electric School Bus
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Our Reader’s Queries
When was the first motorized school bus made?
In 1913, their distributorship reached a significant achievement by securing a contract to manufacture a motor vehicle specifically designed for transporting students to and from an elementary school in Newman, California.
How many electric school buses are there in the US?
On December 11, 2023, FOTW #1320 reported a significant increase in the number of electric school buses in the United States. The World Resources Institute stated that from March 2022 to June 2023, the count of electric school buses in operation or delivered rose from 598 to 1,285. This marks a doubling in the quantity of electric school buses within that time period.
What is the lifespan of a electric school bus?
According to the national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), a school bus battery can last 12-15 years with proper upkeep and charging practices, and up to 20 years under the best conditions. This aligns with the lifespan of their diesel equivalent.
Who made the first electric bus?
The Scania-Vabis T31, an electric bus, was a game-changer for Stockholm’s public transport from 1940 to 1951. Over 120 bus chassis were delivered, setting the stage for a new era in eco-friendly commuting. The innovative trolley buses were a result of a partnership between Scania-Vabis, ASEA (ABB), and Swedish bodybuilder Hägglund & Söner, making strides in electric-powered transportation.