What are the most important questions that school transportation officials should ask about V2G and electric school bus charging? Can V2G make electric school buses more affordable? 

At Fermata Energy, we speak regularly with school transportation officials to help them answer these questions on charging and V2G. What is vehicle-to-grid (V2G)? Why should I consider V2G for our school EV charging solutions? 

We’re able to do that because Fermata Energy has the industry’s only V2G software that works with other company’s V2-capable chargers. In this article, we will explore why V2G is important for school districts and discuss important questions to consider when implementing V2G.

Why is V2G important for school districts? 

V2G enables school buses to not only transport students, but also function as energy storage units, delivering electricity back to the grid when not in use. School districts can earn tens of thousands of dollars each year for selling excess energy stored in the bus battery to the grid. This helps reduce the cost of electric school buses.

Why is V2G important for school districts?

a. Environmental Impact:  With growing concerns about climate change and air pollution, reducing carbon emissions has become a critical priority. School districts operate large fleets of buses that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting V2G technology, school buses can shift from being a source of pollution to becoming an integral part of the clean energy ecosystem. Through V2G, these buses can store and provide electricity, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing harmful emissions, thus contributing to a greener future.

b. Cost Savings:  Electric school buses currently cost more than diesel buses, but ZEV (zero-emission vehicles) have environmental and health benefits. Because ZEV buses have large battery packs, V2G technology enables ZEV buses to be revenue-generating assets and participate in utility demand response programs. When parked at the depot, these buses can feed energy stored in the battery to the grid, earning revenue from the local utility for the school district. This additional income can help offset the cost of the bus and the charger. Additionally, partners, like Fermata Energy, can help school districts identify possible federal and state grants and funding to offset the costs of the ZEV bus and charging infrastructure.

c. Grid Resilience:  School districts have a vital role in the community, serving as emergency response centers during crises. V2G technology offers an opportunity to enhance grid resilience. With the right equipment, school buses equipped with V2G can serve as backup power sources during power outages, providing electricity to schools to be used as shelters. This capability ensures uninterrupted power supply, enabling schools to function as safe havens and reducing the impact of emergencies on students, staff, and the wider community.

What are the important questions to ask when implementing V2G for school districts?

a. Infrastructure Readiness:  Implementing V2G technology requires a robust charging infrastructure capable of bidirectional power flow. Before adopting V2G, school districts need to work with partners, like Fermata Energy, that can assess their site, fleet and charging infrastructure needs to determine whether it makes sense to have V2G. Upgrading the infrastructure may involve costs, so it is important to evaluate the feasibility and budgetary implications. Even with the costs of a higher level of infrastructure, V2G makes electric school buses more affordable.

b. Fleet Suitability:  Not all buses may be suitable for V2G integration. Factors such as the age, battery capacity, and charging capabilities of the buses must be considered. Assessing the condition and compatibility of the fleet is crucial to ensure successful implementation. ZEV bus manufacturers, such as Lion, Highland Electric and Phoenix Motorcars, have V2G-capable ZEV school buses.

c. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:  Successful implementation of V2G technology requires collaboration between the school district, utility, and other stakeholders. Engaging in dialogue with utility providers to understand grid requirements, exploring potential incentives or grants, and involving teachers, parents, and students in the decision-making process can foster a sense of ownership and support for the initiative.

To learn more about V2G and school buses, contact info@fermataenergy.com.