Brooklyn to Receive a Charge From Electric School Bus Batteries with New Vehicle-to-Everything Smart Energy Hub Built by First Student and Con Edison
First Student and Con Edison are launching a revolutionary demonstration project in Brooklyn, featuring a smart energy hub and 12 electric school buses with solar panels. This initiative aims to support the efficient electrification of school buses while addressing economic barriers for medium and heavy-duty fleet electrification.
The project introduces First Charge, an innovative trenchless power deployment solution that reduces construction costs by at least 30%. It also showcases Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, allowing bus batteries to generate additional power for Con Edison during peak demand or emergencies.
This demonstration aligns with First Student's commitment to transition 30,000 fossil-fueled school buses to electric by 2035. The company currently has about 2,000 electric school buses under contract across the U.S. and over 360 EVs deployed.
First Student e Con Edison stanno lanciando un progetto dimostrativo rivoluzionario a Brooklyn, che comprende un hub energetico intelligente e 12 autobus scolastici elettrici dotati di pannelli solari. Questa iniziativa mira a sostenere l'elettrificazione efficiente degli autobus scolastici affrontando al contempo le barriere economiche per l'elettrificazione delle flotte di mezzi medio e pesanti.
Il progetto introduce First Charge, una soluzione innovativa per la distribuzione dell'energia senza scavi, che riduce i costi di costruzione di almeno il 30%. Inoltre, presenta la tecnologia Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), che consente alle batterie degli autobus di generare energia aggiuntiva per Con Edison durante i picchi di domanda o in situazioni di emergenza.
Questa dimostrazione è in linea con l'impegno di First Student di convertire 30.000 autobuS scolastici alimentati a fossile in elettrici entro il 2035. Attualmente, l'azienda ha circa 2.000 autobus scolastici elettrici contrattati negli Stati Uniti e oltre 360 veicoli elettrici già in uso.
First Student y Con Edison están lanzando un proyecto demostrativo revolucionario en Brooklyn, que presenta un centro energético inteligente y 12 autobuses escolares eléctricos con paneles solares. Esta iniciativa tiene como objetivo apoyar la electrificación eficiente de los autobuses escolares mientras aborda las barreras económicas para la electrificación de flotas medianas y pesadas.
El proyecto presenta First Charge, una solución innovadora de despliegue de energía sin zanja que reduce los costos de construcción en al menos un 30%. También muestra la tecnología Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), que permite a las baterías de los autobuses generar energía adicional para Con Edison durante los picos de demanda o en emergencias.
Esta demostración se alinea con el compromiso de First Student de convertir 30,000 autobuses escolares de combustible fósil a eléctricos para 2035. La empresa actualmente tiene aproximadamente 2,000 autobuses escolares eléctricos bajo contrato en EE.UU. y más de 360 vehículos eléctricos desplegados.
퍼스트 스튜던트와 콘 에디슨이 브루클린에서 스마트 에너지 허브와 12개의 태양광 전기 학교 버스를 특징으로 하는 혁신적인 시연 프로젝트를 시작합니다. 이 이니셔티브는 학교 버스의 효율적인 전기화 지원을 목표로 하며, 중형 및 중량 차량의 전기화에 대한 경제적 장벽을 해결하는 데 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.
이 프로젝트는 건설 비용을 최소 30% 절감할 수 있는 비굴착 전력 배포 솔루션 퍼스트 차지를 도입합니다. 또한 버스 배터리가 피크 수요 또는 비상시에 콘 에디슨에 추가 전력을 생성할 수 있게 해주는 차량-모든 것(V2X) 기술도 선보입니다.
이 시연은 퍼스트 스튜던트가 2035년까지 30,000개의 화석 연료 학교 버스를 전기로 전환하겠다는 약속과 일치합니다. 현재 이 회사는 미국 전역에서 약 2,000개의 전기 학교 버스와 360개 이상의 전기차를 계약 및 배치하고 있습니다.
First Student et Con Edison lancent un projet de démonstration révolutionnaire à Brooklyn, comprenant un hub énergétique intelligent et 12 autobus scolaires électriques équipés de panneaux solaires. Cette initiative vise à soutenir l'électrification efficace des autobus scolaires tout en abordant les barrières économiques à l'électrification des flottes de véhicules moyens et lourds.
Le projet introduit First Charge, une solution innovante de déploiement de l'énergie sans tranchée qui réduit les coûts de construction d'au moins 30 %. Il met également en avant la technologie Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), permettant aux batteries des bus de générer de l'énergie supplémentaire pour Con Edison pendant les pics de demande ou en cas d'urgence.
Cette démonstration s'inscrit dans l'engagement de First Student de passer 30 000 autobus scolaires fonctionnant aux combustibles fossiles à l'électricité d'ici 2035. L'entreprise dispose actuellement d'environ 2 000 autobus scolaires électriques sous contrat aux États-Unis et de plus de 360 véhicules électriques déployés.
First Student und Con Edison starten ein revolutionäres Demonstrationsprojekt in Brooklyn, das ein intelligentes Energiezentrum und 12 elektrische Schulbusse mit Solarpanelen umfasst. Diese Initiative zielt darauf ab, die effiziente Elektrifizierung von Schulbussen zu unterstützen und gleichzeitig wirtschaftliche Barrieren für die Elektrifizierung von mittleren und schweren Flotten zu beseitigen.
Das Projekt führt First Charge ein, eine innovative grabenlose Lösung zur Energieversorgung, die die Baukosten um mindestens 30% senkt. Es zeigt auch die Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)-Technologie, die es den Batterien der Busse ermöglicht, während der Spitzenlast oder in Notfällen zusätzliche Energie für Con Edison zu erzeugen.
Dieses Demonstrationsprojekt steht im Einklang mit dem Engagement von First Student, bis 2035 30.000 Schulbusse, die mit fossilen Brennstoffen betrieben werden, auf Elektroantrieb umzustellen. Das Unternehmen hat derzeit etwa 2.000 elektrische Schulbusse unter Vertrag in den USA und über 360 Elektrofahrzeuge im Einsatz.
- Introduction of innovative Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology for efficient power distribution
- Deployment of First Charge solution, reducing construction costs by at least 30%
- Potential cost savings for ratepayers through above-ground infrastructure
- First Student has approximately 2,000 electric school buses under contract across the U.S.
- Commitment to transition 30,000 fossil-fueled school buses to electric by 2035
- None.
Insights
This innovative project in Brooklyn marks a significant advancement in urban energy infrastructure. The integration of electric school buses with solar panels and a smart energy hub creates a multi-functional system that addresses several challenges:
- Reduces emissions from school transportation
- Enhances grid resilience and flexibility
- Provides backup power during emergencies
- Optimizes energy usage and storage
The Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology expands on traditional V2G systems, allowing for more dynamic power distribution. This could potentially reduce strain on the grid during peak demand periods, especially in summer months when school buses are idle. The project's
While the immediate impact is localized to Brooklyn, the scalability of this model could have far-reaching implications for urban energy management across the country. Investors should watch for potential expansion of this technology to other cities and its impact on utility companies' long-term strategies.
This project aligns perfectly with the growing push for decarbonization in public transportation and demonstrates a creative approach to achieving multiple environmental goals simultaneously. Key points to consider:
- Accelerates school bus electrification, targeting 30,000 electric buses by 2035
- Utilizes idle assets (school buses during summer) for grid support
- Integrates renewable energy through solar panels
- Provides a model for reducing urban air pollution and noise
The demonstration's success could influence policy decisions at local and state levels, potentially leading to increased funding and incentives for similar projects nationwide. This could create opportunities for companies involved in EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure and grid management technologies.
However, the scalability and long-term economic viability of such projects will be important factors to monitor. Investors should pay attention to the project's performance metrics, particularly its impact on grid stability and any cost savings for ratepayers, as these will likely influence future policy decisions and market adoption rates.
This project showcases the evolving role of electric vehicles beyond transportation. Key implications for the EV market include:
- Expansion of use cases for electric school buses, potentially increasing demand
- Demonstration of additional revenue streams for EV fleet operators through grid services
- Advancement of V2X technology, which could become a significant differentiator in the EV market
First Student's commitment to transition 30,000 buses to electric by 2035 signals strong growth potential in the electric school bus segment. This could benefit EV manufacturers, battery suppliers and charging infrastructure companies focused on this niche.
The project's success may accelerate the adoption of similar models in other school districts, creating a ripple effect in the market. Investors should monitor the performance and cost-effectiveness of this system, as it could influence future purchasing decisions by school districts and other fleet operators.
Additionally, the development of V2X technology could open new markets for EV-related software and grid integration services. Companies that can provide comprehensive solutions combining transportation, energy storage and grid services may find themselves well-positioned in this emerging sector.
Twelve electric school buses topped with solar panels will also serve local schools as part of revolutionary demonstration project
Through the launch of their innovative demonstration project, a smart energy hub will be deployed to support the speedy and cost-efficient electrification of school buses in the neighborhood. This groundbreaking project will deliver a scalable, cost-optimized solution that addresses economic barriers for medium and heavy-duty fleet electrification, showcasing how to achieve ambitious electrification goals and paving the way for a brighter, greener future.
This novel demonstration project will also include a fleet of 12 electric school buses for
The demonstration project positions
For this project, First Student will deploy its innovative First Charge solution, a trenchless power deployment approach. First Charge reduces construction costs by at least
The project surpasses traditional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, creating a new era of power sourcing: Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). V2X goes beyond simply plugging electric school bus batteries back into the grid, expanding instead to include the capacity to direct electricity delivery where it is needed. In summer months, when the buses are idle, and energy needs soar, or during emergencies, the smart energy hub significantly increases capacity, generating additional power for Con Edison.
"Harnessing electricity from First Student electric school bus batteries to create an emissions free smart energy hub that can serve a community during peak demand while turbocharging America's fight against climate change is truly revolutionary," said First Student CEO and President John Kenning. "First Student's unparalleled battery storage capacity and pioneering First Charge technology solves an immediate need in many American communities: affordable, clean electricity supply that expands the capabilities of existing power grids. We do this all while providing a better experience for students by putting more electric buses on the roads, creating a safer, more enjoyable ride that's healthier for students and better for the environment."
The demonstration project in
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"EQT is proud of First Student's work toward accelerating the realization of a clean energy future," said Neha Jatar, Managing Director at EQT Group. "First Student's revolutionary approach toward harnessing advancements in grid technology for school transportation and applying them to other verticals is transformative. We are committed to investing in companies like First Student that are creating the technologies of tomorrow, today."
"Beyond providing healthy, clean transportation for kids, electric school buses represent an opportunity to build energy resilience in communities, which is critical in the face of natural and other emergencies," said Sue Gander, director of World Resources Institute's Electric School Bus Initiative. "By leveraging solar panels and integrated charging technologies, electric school buses can act as giant, mobile batteries, able to store and discharge clean power when not being used for transportation. We are eager to see this project between First Student and Con Edison bring stronger, more resilient grids, as well as a clean ride for kids, to
This demonstration aims to prove how communities can build a critical bridge to planned grid modernization while providing backup power to grids. If needed, the Smart Energy Hub is also capable of supporting emergency services and hospitals, including HVAC, power and lighting.
The technology will allow for significant organizational growth at First Student, building upon the company's operations in 43 states and in partnership with more than 3,000 utilities. It will create new pathways for First Student to deliver more energy storage nationally.
"Our company leads the industry in moving students, and now we are showing the world how to move electrons. We' are proving that a scalable, cost-effective microgrid is possible, and doing it using bus batteries that otherwise would be sitting dormant," said Alex Cook, chief engineer, First Student. "We learned from successful trials in multiple other deployments that combine our innovative charging infrastructure solution with unique energy storage options and dynamic load management software that can deliver a microgrid that is reliable and puts money back into the communities we serve."
"We could not do this without great partners who value innovation and who, like us, prioritize students' well-being and their futures, which means safer rides to school and safeguarding our planet. We thank Con Edison and Bechtel for their commitment to this project and for seeing the potential safety, community and global benefits of using solar power and school bus batteries to do more than just transport children to and from school every day," said Kevin Matthews, head of electrification, First Student.
The implementation of this innovative charging technology is part of First Student's larger electrification goals. The company has made a commitment to transition 30,000 fossil fueled school buses to electric by 2035.
Watch an explainer video on this project.
About First Student
As
About First Services
First Services, a division of First Student, is focused on providing customers with all of First Student's expert transportation services without a full-service transportation contract. Services provided include routing, maintenance, special needs training, and fleet electrification, including the deployment of First Charge, the containerized, above-ground modular charging solution that decreases costs and speeds up EV deployment.
About Con Edison
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately
Media Contact: Jen Biddinger, First Student, 513.362.4600
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SOURCE First Student
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