Nanaimo – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley say students in Nanaimo will be at the forefront of a zero-emission movement as three of the new school buses coming to the region are electric vehicles.

“By investing in electric buses, we are reducing pollution and ensuring a healthier future for our kids and coming generations across B.C., and right here in Nanaimo,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District No. 68 is getting two electric school buses and Cowichan Valley School District No. 79 is getting one electric school bus. The districts are two of thirteen across the province that have purchased a total of 18 electric school buses which will begin operating in B.C. communities by the end of this school year.

“We’re committed to creating a healthy learning environment for all students,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Investing in electric school buses is just one part of our CleanBC plan, to ensure a greener tomorrow.”

The Ministry of Education’s Bus Acquisition Program provided $13 million for 31 school districts to buy a total f 101 new buses, including 18 electric buses. The purchase price for each electric school bus is approximately $350,000, compared to $150,000 for an equivalent diesel school bus. And the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation has allocated supplemental funding of up to $125,000 towards the capital costs of each of the more expensive electric buses.

As part of a new initiative launched by the Ministry of Education in April 2020, this is the first-time school districts in B.C. have been able to purchase electric buses through funding from the Ministry. School districts that buy electric buses also have access to provincial funding for necessary charging station infrastructure.

Electric school buses have many advantages compared to diesel school buses. The cost of electricity is less than fuel, fewer moving mechanical parts means they require much less repair and maintenance.

Travel on electric school buses is smoother, quieter, and healthier than traditional diesel buses. Overall, electric school buses are highly efficient, produce zero carbon dioxide emissions and are much more cost-effective to operate over time. A zero-emission electric school bus saves approximately 17 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually compared to a diesel school bus.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24378