Solar Powered School Buses Transporting Wisconsin Children
Children in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin are now getting to and from school with the help of the electricity. The company that transports the Wisconsin towns children to school has added 11 plug-in hybrid buses to their fleet. Although the hybrid buses initially cost about the same amount as regular buses, they offer a 50 percent better fuel efficiency. Along with using electricity to save on fuel, they will also be utilizing solar energy.
The Oconomowoc Transport Co. also operates the very first solar electric charging station in the state. The new buses were unveiled on August 25 and according to the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, they cost much less to maintain than regular buses and produce from 30 to 40 percent fewer emissions. “It’s a little glimpse of the future; it’s very impressive,” Oconomowoc assistant superintendent Mike Barry was quoted as saying.
Regular school buses only get around 7 miles for each gallon of gas, but the new hybrids will increase that to 12 miles. It is hoped that other school bus companies will soon begin to follow the lead and add hybrids to their fleets.