Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education, proudly announced that Sipayik Elementary School has been awarded three electric school buses and three fast-charging standalone pedestals through the 2023 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Rebate Program. This initiative aims to fund the transition from diesel to electric school buses, promoting cleaner and healthier transportation for students.
Electric school buses (ESBs) offer numerous benefits, including lower operational costs and reduced exposure to harmful emissions. Compared to diesel buses, ESBs are roughly three times more efficient, resulting in a 40-75% reduction in charging costs versus fueling costs. Based on Maine's recent average diesel price of $6.27 per gallon and average commercial electric rates of $0.16 per kilowatt-hour, operating an electric bus in Maine could save nearly two-thirds in energy costs, equivalent to paying $2.04 per gallon for fuel.
"We are thrilled to be recipients of this generous grant from the EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program," said Dr. Reza Namin. "By transitioning to electric school buses, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also providing a healthier environment for our students and bus drivers."
Principal Dan Morang added, "This is a significant step forward for our school and community. The electric buses will not only benefit our students' health but also serve as a valuable learning opportunity about sustainability and environmental stewardship."
To further enhance the management and efficiency of the electric bus fleet, Sipayik Elementary School will be using Lion Fleet, a powerful fleet management software provided by Lion Electric. This software will allow the school to optimize bus routes, monitor energy consumption, and track vehicle maintenance, ensuring the smooth operation of the electric buses.
Electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions, significantly improving air quality inside and outside the bus. This is particularly important for children, who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of diesel emissions due to their higher breathing rates and developing lungs. The EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Program offers rebates of up to $375,000 per bus and $20,000 per charging station, making it easier for schools in Maine and across the country to adopt this clean transportation technology.
Sipayik Elementary School's new electric buses will be able to meet the unique needs of the school and community, with ample charging capabilities and a driving range suitable for most routes. The buses can be parked and charged outside throughout the year, and most models can be preheated while plugged in, ensuring optimal performance in all seasons.
The EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, which authorizes the agency to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. The 2023 program involves a comprehensive process, including registration, application submission, review and selection by the EPA, and the submission of purchase orders to request payment. Once payment is received, the new buses will be delivered, and the existing buses will be replaced, marking the project's completion.