In a significant step toward sustainability, the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District has added six new zero-emission buses to its fleet, funded through federal and state grants. These buses, powered by electric chargers, represent a collaborative effort with NUUVE, a provider of electric vehicle charging solutions, and Model 1, formerly Creative Bus Sales, which guided the district throughout the process.
The district secured funding through an EPA grant under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a program allocating $5 billion over five years to support clean energy transportation. The district was awarded funding in the first round of the grant, which is particularly noteworthy, as school districts across the United States contended for the same funding.
Additionally, the district received funding from the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), a state-funded initiative designed to offset the costs of zero-emission vehicles. The HVIP funding covered the remaining balance after the EPA grant, allowing the district to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for the new buses.
Key staff members, Mayra Villegas and John Rubalcaba, played an essential role in meeting grant requirements. They gathered extensive data on the district’s existing diesel buses, including detailed records of diesel particulate filter (DPF) installations, which was critical information for grant eligibility. Their meticulous efforts ensured the district met every requirement during the rigorous two-year process.
Ken Naoe, Model 1 sales representative, praised their dedication, stating, “This wouldn’t have happened without Mayra and John’s dedication to the district. We went back and forth for two years, it was a lengthy process.” Mayra reflected on the outcome, saying, “This is all for our kids. That’s how I see it.”
The district has also installed 14 NUUVE electric chargers, positioning itself for future expansion as new grant opportunities emerge. These chargers support the newly acquired BEASTs (Battery Electric Automotive Student Transportation), 40-foot Type D electric school buses that can accommodate up to 90 students. Designed with safety and functionality in mind, the buses feature flat floors for easy mobility, high-clearance designs to enhance crash safety, and a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge.
The district extends its gratitude to NUUVE for their vital role in securing funding and to Model 1 for their support throughout this initiative.