Photo credit: California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently awarded nearly $72 million to rollout more than 220 electric school buses throughout the state. The CEC also provided additional funds for workforce training and charging infrastructure to support the buses.
While it is estimated that schools will save an average of $6,000 a year per electric bus in fuel and maintenance costs, the buses will require maintenance by specially trained technicians. Drivers will also need training to work with these zero-emission vehicles.
As part of the overall initiative, the CEC’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program has allocated more than $1 million for workforce training for drivers and maintenance technicians.
“We can’t get these buses on the road without the charging infrastructure to refuel them, and training for drivers and maintenance workers to support them,” said Energy Commissioner Patty Monahan.
Funds will be used for training-related equipment, curriculum development and workforce training at participating community colleges in California. Approximately 20 to 30 community college faculty will be trained, who will in turn train technicians and drivers at the school districts receiving the electric school buses.
“We are excited to be part of this grant and look forward to our partnering colleges around the state training the workforce,” said Jannet Malig, ATL Statewide Director.
