Boise School District in Idaho will introduce eight electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure for the 2026-27 school year.
The IC Bus electric vehicles are being deployed in partnership with Durham School Services and Highland Electric Fleets.
The district received 2.76 million USD through the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program to support the purchase of the eight buses and the development of charging infrastructure.
Boise School District Superintendent Wendy Johnson said:Bringing these eight electric school buses into service is an important investment in modernising student transportation, being good neighbours by using public resources responsibly and building a more sustainable future for our community.
We are grateful for the federal funding and the partnership of Durham School Services and Highland Electric Fleets, which have made it possible to introduce this innovative technology while creating meaningful opportunities to connect sustainability with student learning. We also thank Boise School District Sustainability Supervisor Ali Ward and Transportation Supervisor Lanette Daw for their leadership and dedication in bringing this important project to fruition.
The electric buses will operate without tailpipe emissions, replacing diesel-powered vehicles on selected services. Electric buses also have fewer moving parts than conventional diesel buses, which may reduce maintenance requirements and associated operating costs.
The deployment builds on wider sustainability initiatives across Boise School District, including energy efficiency, solar and geothermal projects, water stewardship and waste reduction.
Durham School Services is supporting the operation of the new buses, while Highland Electric Fleets has provided support during the electrification process, including the deployment of vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Highland will also provide long-term management of the electric fleet through its Electrification-as-a-Service model, which is designed to support school districts and transportation providers throughout the transition to electric vehicles.
The district marked the introduction of the buses with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its transportation facility in Boise. Attendees were also invited to tour the vehicles and take a demonstration ride.
