Dixie Schools Launch Electric Bus Fleet

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Dixie County Public Schools (DCPS) has introduced 23 new electric school buses, making its fleet one of the largest in Florida. Funded by a $9 million rebate from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, this initiative underscores the district’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality. The deployment signifies a critical milestone in DCPS’s transition away from diesel-powered transportation.

Key Highlights:

  • 23 electric school buses replace a portion of the district’s 37 diesel buses.
  • The initiative is funded by the EPA’s $9 million Clean School Bus Program rebate.
  • 270,000 miles annually will now be traveled by electric buses, avoiding 228 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
  • The project was implemented in collaboration with Thomas Built Buses, Matthews Buses, and Highland Electric Fleets.

Collaboration and Community Impact

DCPS worked alongside Highland Electric Fleets, a leader in Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS), to transition to electric buses. Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, praised the district’s forward-thinking approach, stating, “This collaboration with DCPS highlights the district’s proactive approach to prioritizing student health through innovative transportation solutions.”

The new fleet will not only reduce emissions but also lower fuel and maintenance costs, creating substantial savings over time. Superintendent Mike Thomas emphasized the community’s role in the achievement, calling the fleet launch “a moment of pride for Dixie County.”

About Dixie County Public Schools

DCPS serves approximately 2,000 students across five schools in Cross City, Florida. The district is dedicated to academic excellence and community-driven success, offering a range of vocational programs, enrichment opportunities, and athletic activities.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Highland Electric Fleets is a North American leader in fleet electrification. Operating in 30 states and Canada, the company simplifies the transition to electric transportation for school districts, governments, and fleet operators. Highland is recognized for its pioneering work in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and the largest U.S. electric school bus project to date. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.

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