Unique Electric Solutions (UES) recently announced that its repowered-to-electric school bus has been successfully operating for the Beaverton School District in Oregon since August 2025. The project marks the first diesel-to-electric school bus conversion in the Pacific Northwest, serving students with special needs who require wheelchair lifts, onboard aides, and other specialized transportation support.
Originally a 2016 Blue Bird diesel model, the bus now runs on a fully electric drive system designed and installed by UES. It features a 180 kWh LFP battery that allows up to 120 miles of range per charge and travels approximately 60 miles daily on its Beaverton routes.
UES collaborated with the school district and Forth Mobility, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to electric transportation, to complete the project.
“Beaverton School District is proud to lead with the first diesel-to-electric school bus conversion in the western United States,” said Craig Beaver, administrator for transportation at the district. “The bus performs well, and our partnership with Forth Mobility and UES helped us quickly address challenges that come with new technology.”
Benefits for Special Needs Riders
School transportation leaders across the country have noted that electric school buses provide quieter, smoother rides, which can be particularly beneficial for students with special needs. Reduced noise and vibration help children, especially those sensitive to sound or on the autism spectrum, arrive at school calmer and better prepared for the day.
“The quieter environment of electric buses helps drivers and aides communicate more easily with students and maintain a calmer, safer ride,” Beaver added.
Expanding Access to Electric School Transportation
Repowering existing diesel buses to electric operation offers districts a cost-effective way to transition to zero-emission fleets. Compared to purchasing new electric school buses, repowers typically cost about 50% less and extend the lifespan of current fleet assets.
UES has additional repowered school buses operating in New York and Oregon, with plans to expand into Massachusetts, demonstrating the growing role of vehicle conversions in supporting clean school transportation nationwide.
