Cache Public Schools
Cache, Oklahoma
Cache Public Schools
Cache Public Schools is investing in its students and community by transitioning to electric school buses. The rollout marks a major step forward in the district’s efforts to modernize student transportation. The district is introducing six Thomas Built electric buses and six Tellus EV chargers.
The new fleet is expected to cut fuel and maintenance expenses and reduce overall transportation costs, with initial estimates showing more than 50 percent savings in total cost of ownership. These modern buses also provide air conditioning, a major upgrade for students during warm Oklahoma rides to and from school.
“Bringing these 6 buses to Cache is a step toward a cleaner, quieter future for our students and our community. This change not only helps us save money over time, but it also shows how thoughtful planning can lead to real benefits for students. We’re excited to see the buses in action as school begins this week and proud to be a leader in EV innovation for SW Oklahoma schools”
Chad Hance
Superintendent of Cache Public Schools
Events
We recently celebrated the launch of the electric school bus project with a ribbon cutting event!
Read the press coverage:
Cache Public Schools to Debut Electric School Buses at Back-to-School Event | PR Newswire
Cache Public Schools unveils new electric buses | ABC7 KSWO
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.
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.