New Electric School Bus Initiative Rolls Out
A quiet bus ride in the Qualla Boundary offers breathtaking views from mountains to valleys, and now, that ride also represents a leap into the future of sustainable transportation for the Cherokee people with the Native Electric Project.
The Cherokee Boys Club (CBC) is leading a regional effort in sustainable energy practices with the Native Electric Project, an initiative that began with the purchase of a single electric school bus. The electric school bus was funded by the NC Department of Environmental Quality through a Volkswagen settlement grant.
Donnie Owle, service manager for the CBC, worked with Katie Tiger, Air Quality Program Supervisor of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), to initiate an electric school bus initiative with a focus on environmentally sustainable transportation. Their vision, however, extended far beyond that initial goal.
Since then, the project has grown significantly. With support from local organizations like the Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF), along with state and federal partners, the Boys Club has acquired six electric Thomas Built buses, powered by solar arrays designed to ensure sustainable energy use.
The initiative has already shown measurable environmental benefits, such as reduced diesel fuel consumption and improving air quality. Project leaders are gathering data to further illustrate the positive impacts for bus riders.
As of March 2024, the fleet of six buses has saved 13,080 gallons of diesel fuel, preventing 250,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions—equivalent to removing 125,000 pounds of CO2 annually.
With phases one and two of the Native Electric project completed, phase three is underway, bringing additional buses and new charging infrastructure. Phase four, partially funded, includes a solar array installation on CBC buildings, battery storage, and microgrid systems, with construction beginning in July 2025.
Microgrids—small, localized electrical networks—offer independent power generation, ensuring energy resilience through sources like solar panels. These advancements will strengthen emergency preparedness by maintaining power for critical services during outages.
“Improving air quality and enhancing climate resilience is about protecting our community,” said Tiger. “If a major power outage occurs, our goal is to provide power for emergency services. We are thinking big and ensuring we are prepared. The CPF has been a vital partner in making this possible.”
Project leaders recognize the contributions of numerous partners, including:
- Bus manufacturer Carolina Thomas
- Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition
- NC Clean Energy Technology Center
- NC State’s Carolinas Collaborative on Climate, Health, and Equity, Critical Services Microgrid Group
Plus funding agencies such as:
- Cherokee Preservation Foundation
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Duke Energy
When asked how they manage those who are skeptical of renewable energy technologies, Owle said, “You don’t have to believe me that electric buses are our best option. I can show you. The electric buses are better on mountain roads than any alternative – you have to try it.”
For more information about the project, contact Donnie Owle at donnie.owle@cherokeeboysclub.com.
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