Lee's Summit School District becomes the first in the nation to operate an all electric fleet

LEE'S SUMMIT, Missouri - Mail, cafeteria and school supplies will get a "green" ride in the Lee's Summit School District as the school becomes the first in the nation to operate an all electric distribution fleet for its primary routes.

It's part of an ongoing focus by the District to contain costs and be good to the environment.  The new trucks are manufactured by Smith Electric Vehicles in the former American Airlines Overhaul base at Kansas City International Airport.

The trucks have zero emissions and are powered by Lithium-lon batteries.  Each vehicle has less than five total moving parts which drastically reduces maintenance expenses.  District managers are even more excited about the potential for fuel savings.  Last year the fleet averaged $2.25 per gallon of diesel. The anticipated price for this year, comparing diesel prices to electric rates, should convert to between 11 or 15 cents per gallon.

It may be a little slower going as the electric motors offer a top speed of 50mph.  They can, however, travel in excess of 100 miles on a full charge and and can re-charge in six hours. Distribution drivers will be trained as the trucks arrive.