Wilkes County Schools leads Georgia with Blue Bird electric and propane school bus fleet

Image provided by Wilkes County Schools

Wilkes County Schools (WCS) in Georgia has transitioned to running all 25 of its daily bus routes with zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses. The district has replaced diesel vehicles with 17 electric and propane-powered buses provided by Blue Bird Corporation.

Blue Bird supplied five electric buses and 12 propane-powered buses to WCS. The electric buses, capable of carrying 60 students, have a range of up to 130 miles per charge. On average, schools using electric buses report energy costs of 19 cents per mile, compared to diesel fuel costs of up to 79 cents per mile.

The propane-powered buses can also carry 60 students and travel up to 250 miles on a full tank of propane autogas. These buses produce 96% fewer emissions than diesel buses. The district expects to save up to $3,700 per bus annually in fuel and maintenance costs. Over 15 years, WCS could reduce costs by more than $1.2 million.

Michelle Smith, Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools, said: 

“We are proud to be among the first school districts in the nation to launch a fleet of all electric and propane-powered school buses. Blue Bird’s zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses will help us to create a healthier environment for our students and our communities at-large while significantly lowering our operating costs. Together, we have transformed our ambitious vision of clean, sustainable student transportation into a reality.”

To support the electric buses, Highland Electric Fleets installed five Tellus charging stations. These chargers allow for overnight and downtime charging, ensuring the buses are ready for daily routes.

Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, said: 

“We’re thrilled to be one of the partners helping Wilkes County Schools transition to a fully clean school bus fleet, bringing lasting air quality to students and cost-saving benefits to the school district. By adding electric school buses and charging infrastructure, WCS is investing in healthier, more resilient communities, while ensuring that students have a safe, reliable ride to school every day.”

The district’s fleet upgrade was funded by a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative supports replacing diesel buses with clean-energy alternatives across the country.

Albert Burleigh, Vice President of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird Corporation, said:

“We are delighted to supply Wilkes County Schools with our industry-leading, electric and propane-powered school buses. Moving forward, students on all 25 daily routes will travel exclusively on zero- and ultra-low-emission buses to and from school. We applaud Wilkes County Schools for putting student and community health first.”