Project Traits

State: Tennessee

Congressional District: TN07

Organization Type: School

Partner Organization(s) Type: None or Unknown

Energy Sector: Transportation,

Energy Subsector: EVs, EV Chargers

Project Start Year: Unknown

Project Launch Year: 2025

Government Support Received: Federal Grant [BIL - Clean School Bus Rebate program] for $5,175,000

Outcomes & Impacts

Private Investment: Unknown

Jobs Announced or Created: Unknown

People Served: Unknown

Projected Economic Impact: Unknown

The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $12 million in funding to several school districts in Tennessee, including Metro Nashville Public Schools, to replace diesel school buses with electric ones. This grant is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program.

Specifically, Metro Nashville Public Schools will use their allocated funds to replace 15 diesel buses with electric ones. The transition to electric buses is expected to offer health and environmental benefits, such as quieter operation and reduced maintenance costs, though it presents challenges like new charging infrastructure and maintenance crew training. The Tennessee Valley Authority has been aiding this transition, addressing concerns about electric bus performance in various conditions.

This will serve as the pilot program for MNPS’s use of e—buses. The district will maintain its fleet of diesel buses for most of its transportation needs.