Governor Northam Announces $20 Million Electric School Bus Initiative

Virginia to use Volkswagen Mitigation Trust to support public school districts in purchasing all-electric school buses and charging infrastructure

Thomas Electric School Bus JouleyOn Tuesday, September 24, Governor Northam announced Virginia will “dedicate $20 million from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust (VW Trust) to fund a new initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of electric school buses across the Commonwealth.”

Starting as early as February or March of 2020, public school districts in Virginia can apply for funding distributed by the Virginia DEQ through a competitive application process that will be administered in partnership with the Department of Education. Public school districts may be reimbursed up to $265,000 for the purchase of an all-electric school bus, including charging infrastructure.

The vision of electric buses in Virginia is quickly becoming a reality with funding available through the VW Trust and Dominion Energy’s proposed electric bus program. If you haven’t already, now is the time to think about how electric may fit into your fleet’s operations.

With technology proven through 9 million miles of service in more than 400 Proterra transit vehicles, the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus powered by Proterra brings industry-leading battery and drivetrain technology to the school bus industry.

  • Runs emissions-free; reduces noise pollution; uses no fossil fuels; helps you save on operating costs
  • Includes specialized battery packaging for increased safety
  • Drives up to 65 mph
  • Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 45 seconds
  • 120-mile operating range
  • Built with up to 220 kWh power
  • Charges in 2-3 hours at a DC charging station
  • Electricity has the lowest and most stable operating cost of any fuel

 

Additional information on the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust is available here.

Complete press release from Governor Northam’s office.