#United States #Electric Bus #Highland Electric #Hingham

Hingham Public Schools to Introduce Electric School Buses

Hingham Public Schools is about to embark on a groundbreaking project that marks a significant advancement in eco-friendly student transportation. Scheduled to break ground on a new electric school bus initiative, this project will replace three conventional diesel buses with three electric ones, promising a quieter and cleaner solution for the school community.

Anticipating a reduction in operational costs, Hingham Public Schools expects to save between $10,000 and $20,000 annually from the transition to electric buses. The project was made possible through a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, a leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) in North America. The new bus fleet, supplied by local dealer DeVivo, will also include three Zerova 30kW chargers, facilitating effective charging and maintenance. On average, the electric school buses are projected to cover approximately 11,000 miles each year, ensuring reliable transportation when they enter service in February 2026.

Superintendent Kathryn Roberts expressed the district’s pride in this initiative, stating, “Hingham is proud to take this important step forward in modernizing our school transportation. This project reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and improving the daily experience for our students and drivers.”

The project has secured broad financial backing, amounting to $1.1 million, which includes $500,000 from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Accelerating Clean Transportation (ACT) Program and $600,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program. These funding sources underscore the potential of public-private partnerships in making sustainable transportation options both practical and affordable for educational institutions.

Highland Electric Fleets aims not only to help Hingham reduce costs but also to improve air quality, ensuring a healthier environment for students. Matt Stanberry, the Senior Vice President of Market Development at Highland, remarked, “Projects like this demonstrate how public-private partnerships can create a tangible impact on sustainability.”

The partnership will also involve local utility Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP) as the utility provider and NECGroup, which will oversee electrical construction associated with the project. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM at 19 Fort Hill St., Hingham, MA, and marks an important milestone in the district’s pursuit of greener alternatives in education.

About Hingham Public Schools

Hingham Public Schools is a highly-rated district in Massachusetts, serving approximately 3,700 students across various educational levels from PreK to 12th grade. The district comprises four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, providing a comprehensive educational experience in a nurturing environment.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Founded in 2019, Highland Electric Fleets is dedicated to facilitating the transition to electric vehicle fleets, partnering with school districts and municipalities to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions. Their commitment to advancing electrification aligns with ongoing efforts to support transportation sustainability and community welfare. Highland Electric Fleets proudly holds the position of Official Electric School Bus Provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA, showcasing their leadership in the electrification space.