From Classroom to Grid: How Electric School Buses Educate Us on Sustainability

As students continue the 2024-25 school year, there's a different way to think about school buses—thanks to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This innovative approach helps schools save money, unlocks revenue generating opportunities for our schools, and also contributes to a greener future. Today, there are fewer than 10,000 electric school buses on the road in the U.S., representing around 1% of the total school bus fleet.  

However, research indicates that transitioning to electric school buses could significantly impact the environment and education sectors. For instance, estimated annual emissions reductions could reach 2.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent if 20% of the 500,000 school buses in the U.S. were electric. 

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration is a cutting-edge technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to interact with the power grid. Essentially, V2G enables EVs to store energy when demand is low and send it back to the grid when energy is needed. This helps balance supply and demand, supports grid stability, and optimizes the use of renewable energy sources. 

More than just a ride

Traditionally, school buses have been viewed as a practical part of the educational system. But with the shift towards electric buses and V2G integration, they’re becoming key players in our quest for sustainability. Here’s how:

Environmental impact: Electric school buses reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. When paired with renewable energy sources, V2G technology can further decrease a school’s carbon footprint. Benefits include:

No tailpipe emissions: contributing to a cleaner environment for students and communities.

Quieter operations: Providing a more pleasant experience for riders and nearby neighborhoods.

Cost savings: By participating in V2G programs, school districts can potentially reduce energy costs and even earn revenue. Electric school buses can charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and return power during peak times, benefiting both the grid and the school budget. In fact, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI), electric school buses can save school districts between $5,000 and $15,000 annually in fuel costs alone. This financial benefit can be critical for many schools.

Educational opportunities: Integrating V2G technology into school buses offers a unique opportunity for hands-on learning. Students can engage in STEM projects related to energy, sustainability, and technology, gaining valuable insights into the future of energy and transportation.

Looking Ahead

As we welcome students back to school, it's exciting to see how innovation is transforming even the most familiar aspects of our daily lives. With ongoing advancements and increasing adoption, school buses could soon become key players in the broader energy ecosystem, delivering not just students, but also significant environmental and economic benefits.

If all school buses transitioned to electric, the collective savings could reach nearly $1 billion annually, highlighting the economic potential of this shift.

At RI, our team of experts designs and implements clean energy programs for utilities. We are well-versed in the marketing, outreach, incentives, and program management tactics required to scale V2G projects with school districts. Reach out to us today and discover how we can work together to harness the power of V2G technology for a brighter, more sustainable future.