Summary
– Zum is providing Oakland Unified School District with a fleet of 74 electric school buses and bidirectional chargers
– The EV school buses and charging infrastructure give back 2.1 gigawatt hours of energy to the grid and reduce 25,000 tons of emissions annually
– Oakland is the first major school district in the U.S. to transition to a 100% electrified school bus system with vehicle-to-grid technology
– The project aims to provide cleaner and quieter transportation for students while contributing to grid resilience
– Zum’s goal is to electrify 10,000 bidirectional school buses nationwide, with plans to expand to other districts across the country
Article
Zum, a modern student transportation platform, has provided the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) with a fleet of 74 electric school buses and bidirectional chargers, making it the first major school district in the U.S. to transition to a 100% electrified school bus system with vehicle-to-grid technology. This initiative not only provides sustainable transportation for students but also contributes 2.1 gigawatt hours of energy back to the power grid annually. The project aims to reduce 25,000 tons of emissions each year and improve air quality for students and communities.
The electrification of school buses is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants from traditional carbon-based fuels. With over 90% of the nation’s school buses operating on such fuels, the transition to electric vehicles like those in Oakland can have a profound impact on improving air quality and reducing exposure to harmful gases. By implementing this innovative technology, Zum and OUSD are setting a precedent for other school districts and communities across the country to prioritize sustainability and emissions reductions in the student transportation sector.
The collaboration between Zum, OUSD, and various federal and state programs has been crucial in accelerating the electrification of the school bus fleet in Oakland. Programs like the EPA’s Clean School Bus initiative, CARB, HVIP vouchers, and BAAQMD have provided essential funding and support for this initiative. Additionally, PG&E, Zum’s utility partner, played a key role in providing the necessary infrastructure to support the electrification project. The success of this partnership demonstrates the potential for other cities and districts to follow suit in transitioning to electric school buses with V2G capabilities.
Zum’s goal of electrifying 10,000 bidirectional school buses nationwide highlights the scalability and potential impact of this innovative technology. By supplying 300 gigawatt hours of energy to power grids annually, electric school buses have the potential to play a significant role in grid resilience and renewable energy integration. With plans to electrify school buses in other districts like San Francisco Unified and Los Angeles Unified, Zum is leading the way in transforming school transportation into a sustainable and efficient system that benefits students, communities, and the environment.
The electrification of the Oakland school bus fleet not only provides cleaner and quieter transportation for students but also addresses environmental justice issues within the community. By reducing exposure to air pollution from diesel fuels, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods, the initiative aims to create a healthier and more equitable learning environment for students. This milestone in sustainable transportation sets a precedent for other cities and school districts to prioritize emissions reductions and renewable energy integration in mass transit systems.
Overall, Zum’s project with OUSD represents a significant step towards achieving sustainability and emissions reductions in the student transportation sector. By combining electric school buses with vehicle-to-grid technology, the initiative not only provides clean and efficient transportation for students but also contributes to grid resilience and renewable energy integration. The collaboration between Zum, OUSD, and various public and private partners showcases the potential for innovative solutions to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future for communities across the country.
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