InspireNOLA puts 42 electric school buses into service in New Orleans
The new buses are IC Bus Type C electric school buses. The charging infrastructure is located at a dedicated depot on Industrial Parkway in New Orleans. The site is equipped with seven Kempower C800 power cabinets, supplying a total of 52 charging points via satellite dispensers, and is designed primarily for overnight charging.
The buses are operated by A&S Transportation and supported by Highland Electric Fleets via its Electrification-as-a-Service model. A&S Transportation is a sister company of Durham School Services. InspireNOLA says that this approach allowed the fleet to be deployed without additional upfront costs for vehicle upgrades.
“This significant milestone is about leading with intention and putting students first,” said Jamar McKneely, Chief Executive Officer of InspireNOLA Charter Schools. “Deploying 42 electric buses allows us to reduce emissions, improve our students’ daily travel experience through air-conditioned transportation, and set a new standard for sustainability and innovation in public education in Louisiana.”
According to InspireNOLA, the electric buses replace diesel vehicles. The fleet covers 58 daily routes and travels more than 3,400 miles per day. The school network says the deployment is intended to cut local emissions and improve ride quality, including quieter operation and air-conditioned cabins.
Funding for the project includes grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, as well as federal tax credits. Highland Electric Fleets manages vehicle procurement, charging infrastructure and long-term fleet operations as part of its service model.
InspireNOLA Charter Schools operates seven public charter schools in New Orleans and serves more than 5,000 students. The organisation reports that the electric buses are already contributing to a quieter and calmer journey for students on their daily commute.
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