Toledo Public Schools Electrifies Fleet with 12 New EV Buses

Ohio’s Toledo Public Schools is electrifying its fleet with 12 new electric school buses and EV charging infrastructure.

The investment is helped in part with $4.7 million in funding from another round of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program. TPS educates more than 21,000 students in northwest Ohio.

The district says its investment supports goals for operational efficiency, improved student health, workforce development and developing an alternative-fuel transportation network in the region.

Highland Electric Fleets is working with Toledo Public Schools to deploy the 12 buses manufactured by IC Bus.

"Not only will some of our routes be serviced by eco-friendly buses, but some students will have the chance to learn what it takes to keep these vehicles operating at peak efficiency through a specialized training program," Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent for Toledo Public Schools, said in a statement. "This program bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce, preparing our students for high-demand careers immediately following graduation."

With 118 buses operating daily, TPS is transitioning to a fleet powered primarily by propane and electric vehicles to reduce reliance on diesel and lower fuel and maintenance costs. Once 80% to 90% the fleet is converted to alternative fuels, the district anticipates saving up to $1 million annually.

TPS has supported the fleet transition with its growing investment in career and technical education. The district's Electric Vehicle Lab, which opened in August 2024, provides students with hands-on experience in high-voltage vehicle and battery technology.

Through the program, students will be able to earn certifications while training on both light-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles, preparing them for careers in advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, and vehicle electrification.

The district's student-run Toledo Area Regional Dispatch Academy (TARDA) supports applied learning opportunities connected to fleet operations and transportation logistics. TPS is creating clear workforce pathways while reinforcing the connection between classroom learning, real-world systems, and community well-being by integrating transportation modernization with technical education.

"Replacing five diesel school buses with electric models can reduce the risk of pediatric asthma for approximately 1,500 students,” said Joshua Williams, director of market development at Highland Electric Fleets. “Investments like this help extend those benefits to more students, with cleaner air, lower operating costs, and long-term reliability for the district."

Highland Electric Fleets has worked with many school districts on fleet electrification. Those include Montgomery County Public Schools, West Aurora, Salinas, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and more.

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