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West Aurora School District 129 Launches Largest Electric School Bus Fleet in Chicago Area

In a significant stride towards a sustainable future, West Aurora School District 129 (SD129) has proudly introduced 27 all-electric Blue Bird school buses, now recognized as the largest electric school bus fleet in the Chicago region. This innovative initiative aims to reduce emissions, decrease operational costs, and offer a quieter and more comfortable transit experience for students and drivers alike.

The deployment of these electric buses is part of the district's broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability in its schools. These efforts include investments in solar energy, building upgrades, and initiatives focused on waste reduction. The new fleet of electric buses exemplifies SD129’s commitment to creating a healthier environment for its students, families, and the broader community while also achieving cost savings for taxpayers.

In this ambitious project, SD129 partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, a leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) in North America. Highland was instrumental in managing various aspects of the project, including the procurement of vehicles, installation of charging infrastructure, and provision of long-term fleet services. The electric buses will be powered by 14 Zerova 60kW chargers, ensuring sufficient charging capacity to meet the demands of daily routes and allowing for future fleet expansion.

Funding for this initiative was largely supported by nearly $5 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program. Additional financial backing came from ComEd, who allocated $450,000 in vehicle rebates and approximately $480,000 to prepare the necessary charging infrastructure.

Dr. Angie Smith, the Associate Superintendent of Operations at SD129, expressed pride in the initiative saying, "West Aurora is proud to strengthen our commitment to our schools and community by adding electric buses to our sustainability efforts. We continue to work to find ways to provide a healthier environment for our students and families while also achieving savings for our taxpayers. We hope to demonstrate to other districts that electrification can make a meaningful impact."

Key project partners include Central States Bus Sales, which supplied the Blue Bird buses, and Grand Kahn Electric, responsible for the installation of the charging equipment. Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd, highlighted the importance of funding electrification projects like those within SD129, stating, "EV rebates are helping reduce the upfront costs while also bringing us closer to achieving the state's energy and climate goals."

Highland Electric Fleets' Senior Midwestern Regional Manager, Joshua Williams, praised West Aurora's leadership in various sustainability initiatives, saying, "They’re showing what it looks like when a district turns long-term commitments into measurable progress for students and the community."

To celebrate this groundbreaking advancement, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will occur at 10:30 AM on November 17, 2025, at 220 Alder Dr., North Aurora, IL 60542. Media representatives and community members are encouraged to attend.

About West Aurora School District 129

West Aurora School District 129 serves a vibrant community in the western suburbs of Chicago, catering to learners in and around Aurora, the state's second-largest city. The district is rich in cultural diversity and school pride, blending innovation with long-standing traditions. Through dedicated educators and a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, West Aurora provides each student with an educational journey that fosters both academic and personal growth.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Founded in 2019, Highland Electric Fleets is North America's premier provider of Electrification-as-a-Service. The company partners with school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators to ease the transition to electric fleets, making them simple and affordable. Highland is also recognized as the Official Electric School Bus Provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the future of transportation.

For more information, visit Highland Electric Fleets.