First Student, the largest electric school bus operator in North America, plans to have 30,000 electric buses by 2035 and has chosen Ampcontrol’s platform to help ensure sustainable and reliable transportation for 2.7 million students across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The partnership includes Ampcontrol’s cloud software, AmpEdge onsite controller solution, and professional services to optimize energy and operation of the electric fleet. By leveraging Ampcontrol’s AI-powered platform, First Student aims to improve the reliability of its electric fleet while advancing its commitment to environmental sustainability. Key outcomes for First Student are a substantial reduction in monthly energy costs, high charger uptime, and participation in V2G programs.
“We are proud to work with First Student to transform the future of school transportation. Today, First Student has one of North America's largest electric bus fleets, and our smart charging technology provides substantial cost savings and a reliable electric fleet that powers the next generation. Together, we’re not just electrifying school buses - we’re redefining how we think about energy, mobility, and environmental responsibility. This partnership is creating a cleaner, smarter transportation experience for millions of students across North America, while upholding First Student’s commitment to the highest standards of reliability and efficiency,” said Joachim Lohse, CEO at Ampcontrol.
“At First Student, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation solutions that support the students and communities we serve. As we scale our electric fleet to 30,000 buses by 2035, partnering with Ampcontrol allows us to harness smart, real-time energy management technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure our buses are ready when and where students need them. This collaboration is a key part of our strategy to lead the way in school bus electrification,” said Jen Harp, VP, EV programs at First Student.
