New pilot project puts the idea of all-electric school buses to the test.

MotivPower Systems, in partnership with Type-A school bus manufacturer Trans Tech, is bringing Zero-emission school buses to the Sacramento region as local school districts endeavour to transition school bus fleets from diesel to all-electric.

A $7.5M grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will go towards  building 13 zero-emission school buses as part of the Sacramento Regional Zero-Emission School Bus Deployment Project. The buses will be built on Ford E450 chassis.

“The Sacramento Regional School Bus Deployment Project is a great example of how our climate policies are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating jobs here in California,” said Senator Bob Wieckowski, the chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. “Motiv Power Systems all-electric powertrain kits are increasing the number of students who are transported in zero emission vehicles.  This is especially beneficial to disadvantaged communities where poor air quality has severe health impacts for many residents. This grant puts us on the road to a cleaner California.”