SUSTAINABLE HEAVY-DUTY INITIATIVES FOR FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

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Sacramento Regional Zero-Emission School Bus Deployment Project

The Sacramento Regional Zero-Emission School Bus Deployment Project demonstrated that commercially available zero-emission school buses offer the lowest total cost of ownership, improved performance, and reduced maintenance needs. The project showed how these buses can effectively and sustainably meet the transportation needs of school districts. Twin Rivers, Elk Grove, and Sacramento City Unified School Districts deployed the buses and charging infrastructure on designated routes and will continue using them well beyond the grant period. Project participants view this effort as a critical catalyst for accelerating the transition to fully zero-emission school bus fleets across California.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

Deployed zero-emission, battery-electric school buses from eLion and TransTech, along with 29 charging ports, to serve as a large-scale demonstration. 28 Zero-Emission School Buses:
  • The project demonstrated that battery-electric school buses effectively meet school transportation needs, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate toxic emissions exposure for children in disadvantaged communities.
  • Twin Rivers Unified School District: 8 Type C eLion and 8 Type A TransTech school buses.
  • Sacramento City Unified School District: 3 Type A TransTech and 1 Type C eLion school bus.
  • Elk Grove Unified School District: 8 Type C eLion school buses.

Lessons Learned:

  • Project delays occurred due to unforeseen planning issues and incorrect assumptions about infrastructure completion steps.
  • Construction was delayed by regulatory requirements, permitting, and inspections, causing project setbacks.
  • Stronger communication and collaboration with the Facilities Department is needed to build understanding and support for new technologies and overcome resistance to change.
  • Tighter management of invoicing and payment processes is required between participants and their vendors.

Status Updates:

  • 28 electric school buses deployed and transporting students daily.
  • Expanded the existing electric bus fleet and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Provided guidance to the air district for launching new electric bus projects with additional school district partners.
  • Attracted new clean technology businesses and created permanent jobs in the region.

Technology:

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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: February 2017 – Spring 2020
  • GRANTEE: Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
  • PARTNERS: First Priority Bus Sales, Lion, Motiv Power Systems, SMUD, TransTech, ChargePoint
  • GRANT NO.: G16-ZBUS-02

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $7,535,643
  • Matching Funds: $6,949,826
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $14,485,469

Partners

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