This collaboration between the California Energy Commission (CEC), BorgWarner, Fermata Energy, Lion Electric, and American Transportation aims to strengthen the grid, reduce emissions, and generate revenue for schools.
California faces strain on its power grid due to extreme weather and growing electric vehicle use. V2G offers a solution: parked electric school buses can discharge excess power back to the grid during peak demand. This not only supports grid stability but also allows schools to participate in energy programs and potentially generate revenue.
The project will equip 20 Lion Electric school buses with BorgWarner's bidirectional chargers and Fermata Energy's V2X software platform. This system will optimise charging and discharging cycles to maximise grid benefits and revenue for schools like the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE).
V2G technology not only tackles grid challenges but also promotes clean transportation and environmental benefits for communities. Additionally, schools can leverage V2G to potentially reduce their electricity bills.
This project serves as a large-scale demonstration for other states and school districts. It showcases the potential of electric school buses to not only transport students but also contribute to a cleaner and more reliable energy grid.
"This project underscores the power of partnerships," said Fermata Energy's CEO, Tony Posawatz. Partners like BorgWarner, Fermata Energy, Lion Electric, and American Transportation believe this initiative paves the way for a sustainable future in student transportation.
California is a national leader in adopting electric school buses. This V2G project marks a significant step forward in harnessing the power of these clean vehicles to benefit both the environment and the energy grid.
https://fermataenergy.com
www.borgwarner.com
www.thelionelectric.com
www.energy.ca.gov
