Hardin County CUSD #1
Hardin County, Illinois
Hardin County Community Unit School District #1
Hardin County Community Unit School District #1 (CUSD #1) joins forces with Highland Electric Fleets to usher in a new era of cleaner, greener student transportation. With 12 Blue Bird electric school buses funded by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, this initiative resonates deeply with the district’s commitment to the well-being of its students and the environment. This endeavor represents more than just a transition—it’s a beacon of hope for a healthier future. Through Highland’s dedication and Blue Bird’s innovation, every mile becomes a testament to progress and care for generations to come.
“We were ecstatic to hear that we were a recipient of the Clean School Bus Rebates. We have been working towards this day for some time. It is great to see all that hard work that so many people have put in to make this a reality pay off. This will positively impact our school for years to come.”
Andy Edmondson
Superintendent of Hardin County CUSD #1
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming electric school bus events at Hardin County CUSD #1. Please check back later for updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric bus structurally any different than a traditional bus?
No. Electric school buses are structurally identical to their traditional counterparts. They are built on the same chassis as diesel buses by many of the same manufacturers, including Blue Bird, Thomas Built Buses, and IC. Electric school buses meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
What are the health benefits of electric school buses?
Electric school buses eliminate student, driver, and community exposure to diesel fumes, which have been linked to childhood asthma, respiratory illnesses, and absenteeism. These effects are often more severe in historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.
How far can a fully-charged bus travel?
Depending on the model, a typical electric school bus can travel 100-120+ miles on a full charge. This range makes electric school buses suitable for more than 90% of all school bus routes in the United States. Electric school buses also have a regenerative braking mode that enables them to partially recharge while they’re being driven, which can help extend range.
What is vehicle-to-grid technology?
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows an electric school bus to both draw energy from the grid to charge its batteries, and discharge energy from its batteries back to the grid when the community needs it. This bi-directional charging infrastructure transforms an electric school bus into a valuable Distributed Energy Resource (DER) — effectively a large battery that utilities can draw on during periods of peak demand to reduce strain on the electric grid and make communities more resilient. Utilities with V2G programs pay for this extra power, which can help reduce the cost of electrification.