LANSING – The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation rolled out the MAPT Electric School Bus project Thursday at the Michigan State Capitol.

Seven school districts will receive a total of $4.2 million from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)’s Fuel Transformation Program to pay for up to 70 percent of the costs associated with buying 17 electric buses in addition to Level 2 and DC Fast Charging stations.

This collaboration among Michigan school districts is changing how school buses of the future will be powered, expanding educational opportunities for schoolchildren. This is monumental for the state’s mobility sector, not only enforcing clean energy but new mobility opportunities. Some of the zero-emissions buses will be on the road as early as this year.

“Since taking office, I’ve been deliberate in combating climate change, protecting public health here in Michigan, and advancing our state’s technology and the transportation landscape in a way that also improves lives,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“Programs like these that replace diesel-powered school buses with electric models allow for students to learn about advancing technology and see what a real impact they can have when it comes to climate change. These advancements put Michigan on track toward environmental sustainability and reinforce Michigan’s continued leadership when it comes to next generation transportation.” 

The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, with the support of the Materials Management Division of EGLE, developed the school bus replacement project. The buses will be built by Lion Electric Co. and Thomas Built Buses/Proterra while PlanetM, DTE Energy Co., Consumer Energy, Indiana Michigan Power Co., and the Michigan Municipal Electric Association partnered with the school districts on vehicle charging infrastructure.