This fall, Chatham CSD had five new electric vehicle charging stations installed in our bus yard. Now awaiting commissioning by InCharge, the company that produces them, these chargers are a first step toward our District complying with a NYS directive that requires schools to purchase only zero-emission school buses starting in 2027. School bus fleets are required to transition entirely to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
Our goal is to thoughtfully begin integrating electric vehicles into our fleet starting this school year, which will allow us to take into full consideration the benefits and limitations these vehicles offer.
Later this fall, Chatham CSD will receive delivery of one 66-passenger and four 20-passenger electric buses. Our transportation department will provide training for our drivers and maintenance staff on operating and maintaining electric buses to ensure safety and efficiency prior to their hitting the road. We will also be meeting with local authorities, fire departments and first responders to familiarize them with our electric buses as well. We expect to begin using our new buses in a limited role by late fall/early winter of this year.
We are pleased to note that the purchase and installation of the charging stations, along with the purchase and delivery of the five electric school buses, is paid for entirely through grants that the District applied for through NYSERDA and the EPA, with no local tax impact.
My best,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent of Schools