In a bold move toward sustainability and student wellness, Dearborn Public Schools, Michigan’s third-largest school district, has added 18 new electric school buses to its fleet. This transformative step is powered by $7.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and reflects the district’s deepening commitment to environmentally responsible transportation.
“The addition of these 18 electric buses is another example of how our district is leading the way,” said Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko.
“There’s also a lesson here for our students about the importance of environmental stewardship.”
The district partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, a North American leader in Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS), to facilitate the transition. As part of the project, 20 BorgWarner charging stations were installed to ensure reliable overnight and downtime charging for daily school routes.
“This investment means cleaner, quieter student transportation,” said Joshua Williams, Senior Midwestern Regional Manager at Highland Electric Fleets.
“That can mean improved performance in school and reduced asthma risk—especially in areas like Dearborn, where asthma rates may be above the national average.”
The new Blue Bird All American Type D electric buses offer a zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered vehicles, capable of traveling up to 120 miles on a single charge and fully recharging in 6–8 hours. Not only are they better for the environment, but the quieter operation provides a more peaceful ride for students and helps reduce urban noise pollution.
“We’re thrilled to deliver 18 state-of-the-art zero-emission school buses,” said Albert Burleigh, VP of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird Corporation.
“This builds on our 30-year relationship with Dearborn Public Schools, helping the district lower emissions and promote healthier communities.”
Beyond the health and environmental benefits, the switch to electric buses is expected to yield significant cost savings. While diesel buses can cost up to 79 cents per mile in fuel, electric buses average around 14 cents per mile, providing both economic and ecological value for the district.
Dearborn joins a growing list of forward-thinking districts nationwide embracing electric school buses as a cleaner, smarter solution for student transport.
