Our Saf-T-Liner^® C2 Jouley^® electric bus was the first electric school bus to run a route with students in the state of Alaska. To learn more about this experience, we interviewed Gerald “Stretch” Blackard, owner of Tok Transportation in Tok, Alaska.

Here’s what Stretch had to say about Jouley’s impact on their district:

What led your district to go electric?

We had a grant available for an electric school bus, so I wanted to give it a shot. An electric school bus ties into the sustainability efforts of some of our schools, plus, whoever heard of an electric school bus in Alaska? I have always had an interest in trying new things. When someone says something can’t be done, I always want to try it for myself.

 Okay, so why Jouley? Why Thomas Built Buses?

I actually started the process with a different manufacturer, and I got to test drive their electric bus in Kansas City. It was a neat experience, and I liked the bus. But going through the process with that manufacturer was difficult. So, I talked to my local Thomas Built Buses dealer here in Alaska, which led me to discover Jouley. Working with Thomas Built Buses and my local dealership is what sealed the deal.

What do you like most about the bus?

The bus has been performing well, and it has definitely lived up to expectations. In fact, it has exceeded my expectations in cold weather, which is often sub-zero temperatures. It has performed seamlessly, and the heating system, which also runs off electricity, works well to keep the bus warm.

How has maintenance been?

This bus has been really easy to maintain. We haven’t had to do much maintenance on the bus, really. And it’s awesome to not have to change the oil.

Have you faced any electric hurdles along the way?

The most challenging issues were COVID-related. But one piece of advice that I have for other fleets interested in converting to electric is to talk to utility providers early. With a fleet of buses, that is quite an investment in infrastructure to handle electricity. The power company needs to be able to handle that. Part of the process is to map that out ahead of time.

What do your students and schools think of Jouley?

Some kids think it is super cool. They are always amazed at how quiet it is to run and how smooth it is. And the district likes having the first electric bus in Alaska. They tout it as something that helps the environment. They use wood-fired fuel chips, which powers the school via biomass. We use solar panels to help charge the bus at the bus barn, which works with how the school is set up to be sustainable.

We’re excited to see what’s in store for Stretch and the Alaska Gateway School District. For more information on our Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus, please contact your local dealer or speak with an Electric Bus Authority consultant.