Johnston County accepts EPA-funded electric school bus award, plans chargers in Princeton area

The Johnston County Board of Education approved entering a memorandum of understanding to accept an EPA clean school bus grant that funds eight electric buses and charging stations for the district.

Superintendent Eric Bracey told the board the project cost for the eight electric buses and chargers is $3,250,440 and requires no local financial obligation; the purchase will be handled through the vendor and grant process. District transportation staff said the buses will be deployed in the Princeton attendance area because the site had utility support and Duke Energy participation to help pay for required electrical upgrades. The Princeton area also currently operates a fleet with the shortest route lengths, the transportation director said.

Marlon Watson, the district's executive director of transportation, said the vendor will provide mechanic training, driver training and first-responder training for the new vehicles; the vendor also offers technical training through Wake Technical Community College. Watson said early adopters of electric buses in neighboring districts reported few mechanical issues and primarily cited driver charging errors rather than major mechanical failures.

Board members asked about battery warranties and range. Staff said buses come with five-year bumper-to-bumper warranties and eight-year battery warranties; DPI requirements and surplus bus credits provide a replacement pathway for older diesel buses the district retires. District staff said they expect to have an initial demonstration bus on site the following month and a full delivery target in the late fall if the MOU is approved.

The board approved the MOU by voice vote with all members in favor.