The pilot supports Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which requires any new school buses contracted or purchased by public school systems in the state to be zero emissions.
To aid in the electric school bus (ESB) transition across Potomac Edison's Maryland service territory, the company will provide financial incentives for school districts to acquire and deploy ESBs; reimbursements for EV charging infrastructure and IT-related costs associated with the transition to ESBs; assessments of grid capacity and other technical and administrative support; and connection to the Potomac Edison electric grid including coverage of all related costs.
The public-school districts that opt to participate in the pilot program will receive funding that reduces the cost difference between an electric school bus and an equivalent diesel-fuelled bus. The electric buses will also be equipped with lap and shoulder belts for students to comply with a new state safety law.
