On Nov. 4, 2021 Denver Public Schools unveiled the district’s first electric school bus at a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College (DMLK).
Elvis, the first DPS electric bus
The bus will service routes for several schools in far northeast Denver. The electric vehicle will reduce diesel exhaust emissions, and is projected to save over $60,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over the next 15 years. The bus is fondly referred to as “Elvis” (ELectric Vehicle In Service). The cost of an electric bus is typically higher than a diesel bus, but thanks to grants and rebates from Colorado’s Alt Fuels program and Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure Program, the vehicle cost the district less than a diesel bus.
At the ribbon-cutting event, Caitlin Vallalar, Concurrent Enrollment Environmental Science Teacher and Sustainability Champion at DMLK said: “Zero-emission electric buses can help decrease air pollution, ground level ozone and air quality-related illnesses and incidents of asthma in the communities that these buses serve. Adding electric buses will also decrease greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint, helping to combat future climate change. It is only right that we make every effort to put students first by being good stewards of our district, communities and the environment”
DMLK students watch as Superintendent Marrero speaks to sustainability and improving our community
Acquiring the electric bus is just one example of key steps being taken in DPS to reduce our environmental impact. Whether through water conservation, solar panels, or school gardens, sustainability work is happening every day across the district. Read more in the DPS Sustainability Annual Report.
