Jeffco Public Schools Launches Six Electric School Buses with Xcel Energy and Highland Electric Fleets
The project will explore how school bus batteries could supply electricity to the grid when connected and available.
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Rhea-AI Summary
Xcel Energy (XEL) provided $3.4 million to support Jeffco Public Schools’ launch of electric buses with Highland Electric Fleets. The district is launching six electric school buses and six bidirectional chargers, with buses beginning student service during the current school year.
Xcel Energy’s Electric School Bus Program supports the launch of 38 electric buses and 30 bidirectional charging systems statewide. Highland supplies buses, charging infrastructure and long-term operating services. The Jeffco project will demonstrate charging technology that could allow connected, available buses to store electricity and return it to the grid when needed.
Positive
- Minor pointJeffco’s launch adds six electric buses and six bidirectional chargers through the Xcel-supported project.
- Minor pointXcel’s program supports deployment of 38 electric buses and 30 bidirectional charging systems statewide.
Negative
- Minor pointXcel provided $3.4 million in funding for Jeffco’s transition to electric transportation.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
New fleet includes bidirectional charging technology designed to explore additional benefits for the district, community, and electric grid
The six IC electric school buses will begin serving Jeffco students during the current school year, advancing the district's broader efforts to make student transportation more efficient, improve air quality around schools, and reduce emissions.
Xcel Energy provided
Highland is supporting the project through its Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, providing the electric buses, charging infrastructure and long-term services needed to operate the fleet.
"Our partnership with Highland Electric Fleets and Xcel Energy marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to modern, sustainable student transportation," said Jeff Gatlin, Chief Operating Officer at Jeffco Public Schools. "These new electric buses will deliver cleaner air for our students and schools while giving us a hands-on look at how innovative energy solutions can benefit our entire
In addition to transporting students, the buses and charging infrastructure will serve as a demonstration of bidirectional charging technology. When connected and available, bidirectional-capable electric school buses have the potential to function as mobile energy assets, storing electricity in their batteries and returning it to the grid when needed.
The project will provide real-world insights into how this technology can be integrated with fleet operations and the electric grid.
"Electric school buses are creating new opportunities for schools to modernize their fleets while supporting
"Electric school buses can deliver meaningful benefits for students and the communities they serve," said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer, Highland Electric Fleets. "Replacing just five diesel buses with electric school buses can reduce pediatric asthma risk for 1,500 students, while bidirectional technology creates the potential for those same buses to serve as mobile energy assets when they aren't on the road. We're proud to work with Jeffco and Xcel Energy to bring these buses to the community and demonstrate the value they can provide on and off the road."
The new fleet will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at the district's transportation office, 809 Quail St. in
About Jeffco Public Schools
Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is a diverse and high-performing school district located in
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.
We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.
Headquartered in
About Highland Electric Fleets
Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service. Founded in 2019, Highland partners with school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators to make the transition to electric fleets simple and affordable. Highland proudly serves as the Official Electric School Bus Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. From pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology to managing some of the nation's largest electric school bus fleets, Highland delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that support local communities and drive the future of transportation. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.
Media Contact
Chris Orlando
Highland Electric Fleets
Chris.Orlando@highlandfleets.com
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SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets
FAQ
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How much funding did Xcel Energy provide for Jeffco’s electric school buses?
Xcel Energy provided $3.4 million through its Electric School Bus Program to support Jeffco Public Schools’ transition to electric transportation. The district is launching six electric school buses and six bidirectional chargers.