Perry Central Community School Corporation is paving the way toward a cleaner, quieter future in student transportation.

Thanks to a $690,000 grant from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program, the school now operates two fully electric school buses — a major milestone in Perry Central’s sustainability efforts. The buses are powered by a Delta Dual Chord 100kW charger, capable of charging both vehicles simultaneously, and are covered under a 10-year warranty.

Drivers have responded positively to the change, noting the quiet operation and smoother ride compared to diesel models. While there have been a few technical bugs, the team at Kerlin Bus Sales has provided strong support. “It’s just like with any new piece of technology — there’s a learning curve,” said Transportation Director Mike Bishop. “Nathan and I are adapting to how the EV buses’ range varies with outside temperature changes.”

Bus driver Nathan Toothman added with a smile, “Both my parents are bus drivers, and I never thought I’d be one, let alone driving an electric bus.”

Although the buses were only used for the final months of the school year — making it too early to measure cost savings — Perry Central is taking a cautious, data-driven approach. Any future additions to the EV fleet will depend on the availability of grant funding and long-term performance.

Beyond transportation, the EV buses are also serving as a hands-on learning tool. Superintendent Dr. Tara Bishop explained, “Students in Perry Central’s diesel mechanics program now have a front-row seat to explore the differences between diesel and EV technology. These buses also support broader classroom discussions around electricity, energy efficiency, and natural resource management.”

Perry Central isn’t just transporting students — they’re driving innovation forward.