Even the greenest of intentions do little good without data to back up whether a project is both efficient and effective. That is why a report at last week’s School Transportation News Expo in Reno, Nev., is so important for West Virginia schools.

According to results of a report announced at the expo, GreenPower Motor Co.’s electric school bus pilot project was generally a success. WCHS reported the pilot project demonstrated some weakness in charging infrastructure in the 18 school districts that participated in the pilot project. But Boone County, for example, saved approximately $200 a month using one of the buses.

“Normally diesel fuel alone for that bus would be $900 a month,” GreenPower Motor Company Vice President of Business Development and Strategy Mark Nestlen told WCHS. “So, there’s a significant savings that they saw in the proof of that pilot project. Of course schools are always looking for a way to save money where they can in that sense.”

A Calhoun County bus driver told WCHS he had been a doubter, before the project began. Now, he believes the buses are capable of doing the job on West Virginia’s twisty, turny hills.

“It just changed my mind,” Miller said. “It’s just amazing how well that bus runs in Calhoun County.”

That is fantastic news, as the state has bought 41 of the GreenPower school buses, with a decision on distribution to be made later. As EV charging infrastructure is strengthened in the Mountain State, counties will likely be seeking out these money-saving and cleaner-running buses. But for now, it is good to know we’ve got data from the pilot project to show the purchase truly will be a win-win.