Fermata Energy’s Director of Business Development, George Miller, and Director of Regulatory Affairs, Anna Bella Korbatov, recently attended the Electric School Bus Teach-in Event, presented by Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and Highland Electric Fleets at La Kretz Innovation Campus. They shed light on crucial aspects of electrifying school transportation. From discussing current capabilities to navigating utility service upgrades and exploring available incentives, the event provided valuable insights for stakeholders looking to transition to electric school buses.

1. Emphasizing Education: The importance of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) education in the electrification process is evident.
   
   Participants highlighted V2X capabilities available today, in addition to charge management available on single directional charging systems deployed today, which play a crucial role in optimizing charging infrastructure for electric school buses. By understanding and leveraging these capabilities, stakeholders can ensure efficient and effective deployment of electric buses in their fleets.
   
   
2. Navigating Utility Service Upgrades: Timelines for utility service upgrades can often catch customers by surprise.
   
   To mitigate delays and streamline the energization process, it is critical to engage with your utility  early on and initiate the timeline for necessary upgrades promptly. Proactive communication and collaboration with utilities can help expedite the transition to V2X bidirectional charging and electric school buses while minimizing disruptions to operations.
   
   
3. Exploring Incentives: There is a wide variety of incentives available across California and at the federal level for electrifying school transportation.
   
   From grants and rebates to tax credits and financing options, there are numerous incentives that stakeholders can explore to make their deployment financially viable. It is essential for stakeholders to thoroughly research and assess available incentives to determine what works best for their specific deployment needs and budget constraints. Your local air district can be a great resource for this information. 

Ultimately, the Electric School Bus Teach-in Event provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for stakeholders embarking on the journey of electrifying school transportation. By leveraging current V2X capabilities, engaging early with utility providers, and exploring available incentives, stakeholders can overcome challenges and accelerate the transition to V2X bidirectional charging and electric school buses, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable communities.

Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue to drive innovation and progress in the electrification of transportation.