Lawrence Public Schools Introduces New Electric Bus Fleet
Supported by public and private partnerships, 35 new electric buses are now in service to promote clean community transportation.
Today, a major milestone was celebrated by Lawrence Public Schools, NRT Bus Inc., and Zenob? as they unveiled a fleet of 35 electric school buses. These new vehicles are set to enhance transportation for students and positively influence the environment in the community.
Partnerships for Progress
Thanks to effective collaborations among various organizations, the deployment includes 25 electric school buses made possible by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with an additional 10 minibuses funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and supported by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). These buses are stationed in Methuen and are integrated into the regular home-to-school operations for Lawrence Public Schools.
“To provide students with a more comfortable, quieter daily bus ride while benefiting public health and the environment is a significant achievement for our entire community,” stated Ralph Carrero, the Superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools. “This initiative exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships.”
Launching the Electric Fleet
Scott Sheridan, Senior Vice President of NRT Bus, shared, “As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and promoting cleaner air for our students, we are thrilled to launch this electric fleet for Lawrence Public Schools. We appreciate the collaboration from both public and private sectors that enabled this project, assisting us in achieving a sustainable future for the 2025 school year.”
This fleet’s charging station, built through collaboration among various organizations including the EPA, MassCEC, and Beacon Mobility, was completed over the last summer. This facility is crucial for storing and recharging the 35 new electric buses that will be shuttling students and community members for their daily activities.
Community and Environmental Benefits
According to Rachel Ackerman, Senior Program Director for Clean Transportation at MassCEC, “This investment translates to healthier air for students and quiet neighborhoods, ultimately resulting in cost savings for school districts in the long run. Projects like this demonstrate how innovative partnerships can deliver immediate benefits to the community while accelerating the transition to clean transportation.”
In a collaborative effort, Zenob? aims to utilize its global experience in fleet electrification to deliver various health and climate advantages to NRT Bus, Beacon Mobility, and Lawrence Public Schools. Maggie Clancy, Executive Vice President of U.S. EV Sales and Marketing at Zenob?, mentioned that this initiative is a prime example of effective public-private partnerships that can be sustainable both financially and environmentally.
Impact on Future Transportation
National Grid and Liberty Utilities recently electrified the charging station, creating a sustainable hub for recharging the electric batteries powering this new fleet. Jake Navarro, Director of Clean Transportation at National Grid, stated, “Fleet electrification plays a crucial role in establishing a sustainable energy future. We take pride in collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders to enhance and modernize our energy infrastructure.
The Lawrence Public Schools are utilizing the 25 electric buses as part of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, aiming to help serve over 13,000 K-12 students. This initiative is anticipated to significantly lower carbon emissions, reducing an estimated 1.35 million pounds of CO2 per year, the equivalent of taking 136 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for a year.
About Zenob? Energy Ltd.
Zenob? is recognized as a leader in EV fleet management and grid-scale battery storage, specializing in electric vehicle solutions. Founded in 2017, the company operates globally, providing support for over 3,400 electric vehicles across various locations, and holds a substantial market share in the U.K. EV bus sector. With its North American headquarters in Chicago, Zenob? continues to hire and expand its presence in both Canada and the U.S. For more, visit zenobe.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new electric bus fleet?
The fleet aims to provide cleaner transportation options for students, benefiting public health, community environment, and reducing emissions.
Who funded the electric bus initiative?
The initiative was funded through a partnership involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), and other stakeholders.
How many buses are included in the new fleet?
A total of 35 electric buses have been deployed, including 25 school buses and 10 minibuses.
What are the environmental benefits of the new electric buses?
The electric buses are projected to reduce carbon emissions by about 1.35 million pounds each year, which equates to the impact of removing numerous gas-powered cars from the road.
Where can I find more information about Zenob? Energy?
For more information, visit Zenob?’s website at zenobe.com.
