Blackstone Valley Preparatory Academy
Rhode Island
Blackstone Valley Prep
Blackstone Valley Preparatory Academy is preparing to make a significant leap toward sustainability with the addition of 24 electric school buses to its fleet. This transition marks an important step in reducing emissions and creating a healthier environment for students, staff, and the local community. By integrating electric buses, the academy is not only improving air quality but also providing a quieter, more comfortable ride for students.
“By embracing this more sustainable initiative, we support the well-being of BVP scholars, our communities, and the environment, and prioritize a healthier and more vibrant future for all.”
Beth Dowd
Director of Operations at Blackstone Valley Prep
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming electric school bus events at Blackstone Valley Prep. Please check back later for updates.
Bus Talk
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.