Recently, Dr. Tim Hoden, Director of Operations for Campbell County Public Schools, hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the County’s first electric school buses! The event took place at Leesville Elementary, where guests were able to look under the hood at the 220 kWh electric motor on bus number “EV1.” “EV1” is one of the two new Jouley Electric School Buses purchased from Sonny Merryman, which is a transportation dealer headquartered in Campbell County. In fact, Campbell County is the first school district in the area to receive these electric buses! Built in North Carolina by manufacturer Thomas Built Buses, Inc., these buses represent the 51st and 52nd electric buses Sony Merryman has supplied to school districts across the Commonwealth.
American Electric Power (AEP) provided a substantial grant to aid in the purchase of the two vehicles as well as the cost of purchasing and installing the charging equipment. Larry Jackson, AEP’s Director of External Affairs, was on-site to promote the partnership.
Each Jouley Electric School Bus that replaces a traditional diesel-powered school bus is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14 tons annually. In addition to the zero tailpipe emissions and quieter ride, the buses also offer lower operating costs through reduced maintenance and stable electrical energy prices.
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