CPS buys 10 electric cars for driver's education through ComEd grant program
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Some Chicago Public Schools kids are going to learn how to drive on electric cars.
Thanks to a grant from ComEd, five CPS high schools have been able to purchase a total of nine electric vehicles and charging stations, with a sixth high school set to buy an electric vehicle and charging station by the end of the year.
The zero-emission cars will be used for the schools' driver's education programs.
CPS chief executive officer Pedro Martinez said the vehicles aren't just great for learning how to drive – they can open kids' minds.
"What our bigger vision is, is not only having electrical vehicles, because they're better for the environment; it's also about introducing our students to this amazing industry and green type that is growing," he said.
According to CPS, the Illinois High School & College Driver Education Association helped develop curriculum explaining the basic components and charging requirements of electric vehicles; as well as outlining the difference in maintenance for electric vehicles as they become more and more common on the roads.