Collins Bus, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., a manufacturer of Type A school buses, multi-function school activity buses (MFSAB), childcare buses and electric/alternative fuel buses, has delivered its first Type A electric school bus in Indiana, to the Rensselaer Central Schools Corporation (RCSC).

The RCSC serves four schools in Rensselaer, a small town in northwest Indiana. The Collins bus is part of the corporation’s pilot program to determine the capability of an EV bus to perform in a mostly rural area. The bus is currently operating a mid-day route, transporting preschool and special needs students, and eventually will transition to a full-day route. The Type A bus was purchased through Midwest Transit Equipment under the Indiana Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Program.

The Type A electric school bus is designed with lithium-ion batteries that have been tested over millions of real-world miles. Delivering up to a 120-mile range, it can be recharged with Level 2 13.2 kW AC charging or optional Level 3 80 kW DC charging. This EV bus combines industry-leading safety with the efficiency of zero emissions.

“It is exciting to see the Collins EV bus operating in Rensselaer’s more rural setting,” said Angie Tomlinson, transportation director for RCSC. “With its efficiency and range, it will perform well in our area and give us a more environmentally friendly way to transport our students.”

“We appreciate the contribution of our area partners - Jasper County Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) and the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) - for financing the cost to charge our new Collins electric bus,” said Steve Shide, bus mechanic for RCSC.

“The Collins EV bus not only delivers outstanding efficiency but brings the high level of safety for which our brand is so well known,” said Todd Gibson, director of sales for Collins Bus. “We thank the RCSC for being the first organization in Indiana to make a Collins EV bus part of their fleet.”