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Illinois District Debuts Charging Depot for 25 Electric School Buses
Together with North America Central School Bus and Highland Electric, East St. Louis School District 189 is building a new depot for 25 new electric buses and chargers from EPA funding.
June 13, 2025
Pictured from L-R: Arthur R. Culver, East St. Louis School District 189 Superintendent; Jason Walker, CEO of North America Central Bus; Duncan McIntyre, founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleets; and Patrick Smith, Sr. Vice President of Operations and Technical Services at Ameren Illinois.
Photo: Troy Anthony Photography
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At the June 12 event, attendees were able to take part in a ride and drive to feel what the district's students soon will experience on the new electric buses.
Photo: Troy Anthony Photography
Yesterday, East St. Louis School District 189 in Illinois celebrated progress on its electric school bus initiative.
A new depot is being constructed at North American Central School Bus' depot in Caseyville. It will support 25 electric buses and chargers from Thomas Built Buses and Heliox, respectively. Operations are scheduled to begin for the 2025–2026 school year.
Both are happening thanks to funding from the EPA's Clean School Bus Program.
North American Central School Bus will operate and maintain the buses, and Highland Electric Fleets will manage the charging infrastructure and long-term electrification support. Ameren Illinois, the project's utility partner, is assisting the infrastructure development with make-ready funding through its Electric Vehicle Charging Program.
The new electric fleet will add to the district's existing 80-bus operation and will serve students across seven schools.
"We are proud to roll out 25 new electric school buses for regular routes this coming school year — an investment in both the health of our students and our community," said Arthur R. Culver, district superintendent. "Our students deserve clean, safe, and modern transportation. These electric buses reduce harmful air pollution, reflect our commitment to safety, and help ensure that every child arrives at school ready to learn and thrive. This is an exciting step forward for student wellness and a cleaner, healthier future for East St. Louis."
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