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CPS buys 10 electric cars for driver's education through ComEd grant program

ComEd grant pays for 10 electric cars for CPS high schools
ComEd grant pays for 10 electric cars for CPS high schools 00:43

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.

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