Dearborn Public Schools expanded its student transportation options with the addition of 18 electric school buses.

“The addition of these 18 electric buses is another example of how our district is leading the way and taking actions that will benefit students and the greater Dearborn community. There is also a lesson here for our students about the importance of being good stewards of the environment and taking steps to be a role model,” said Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko in a statement. “We also appreciate the $7.1 million in grant funding from the EPA that made the purchase of these buses possible.”

Dearborn partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, a company that provides electrification-as-a-service for the modernization of school bus fleets, for the addition. As part of the project, Highland installed 20 BorgWarner charging stations, enabling overnight and downtime charging to keep the buses ready for daily routes.  

The Blue Bird All American Type D electric-powered buses generate no emissions and can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge. They can be fully charged in six to eight hours. 

Dearborn Public Schools anticipates benefiting from significant cost saving opportunities by reducing or eliminating the fuel and maintenance costs tied to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Select Blue Bird customers reported fuel costs of up to 79 cents per mile for their diesel buses, compared to an average 14 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses.

Backed by $7.1 million from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program, DPS acquired its advanced electric school buses through Holland Bus Company, Blue Bird’s authorized school bus dealer in Michigan. 

Dearborn Public Schools is the third largest school district in Michigan with almost 20,000 students and operates 37 schools across 36 buildings.