Norfolk Public Schools To Transport Students On Electric School Buses

From the City of Norfolk:

Posted on: January 16, 2020

NORFOLK, VA – Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) will be among 16 school divisions throughout Virginia selected to receive electric school buses through an innovative program by Dominion Energy. NPS will receive a total of four buses with the first one being delivered in August in time to transport students back to school in September. The remaining three will be delivered in the fall.

"We are so pleased that Dominion Energy has selected Norfolk Public Schools to be part of this exciting program," said Acting Superintendent Dr. Sharon I. Byrdsong. "Not only is this a great business partnership, it’s a wonderful way for our students to see firsthand the practical application of science and technology that will benefit Norfolk’s environment."

The new electric buses will join the current NPS fleet of 326 diesel-powered buses. Each electric bus will cost approximately $104,000 compared to a regular diesel bus cost of approximately $96,000. However, the electric buses will save money in the long run by eliminating the use of diesel as well as reducing operation and maintenance costs. Dominion Energy will pay for the installation of charging stations that will be required to operate the electric buses.

In addition to lower operation and maintenance costs, the electric school buses will have a positive environmental impact by reducing the carbon footprint. Dominion Energy estimates that one electric bus reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 54,000 pounds per year.

NPS Official Release Dominion Energy Official Press Release

This press release was produced by the City of Norfolk. The views expressed here are the author’s own.