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First Student has introduced First Charge, a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) charging solution that offers a cost-effective and scalable way to electrify school bus fleets. The system, designed to eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming trenching, simplifies the deployment of electric school buses and other medium and heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to significant cost savings, First Charge supports expansion, ensuring that school districts can scale their electric vehicle infrastructure as needed. The company also pairs this solution with a Charging as a Service (CaaS) offering to further streamline energy management and fleet maintenance.
Key Highlights
- No trenching required: First Charge eliminates the need for disruptive and costly underground cable installation, saving districts both time and money.
- Cost savings: Districts can save up to 50% on construction costs, making electrification more affordable.
- Supports expansion: The modular design allows for future growth, supporting up to 25 electric buses per power management module.
- Multi-vehicle capability: Ideal for electric school buses as well as medium and heavy-duty vehicles like garbage trucks and delivery vans.
- CaaS integration: This energy management solution handles procurement, charge scheduling, and fleet maintenance, easing the burden on school districts.
First Charge offers a flexible and scalable infrastructure that enables school districts to electrify their fleets quickly and affordably. First Student CEO, John Kenning, emphasizes that this approach allows schools to focus on education while ensuring electric buses are ready to serve students. The company’s leadership in bus electrification, with more than 360 electric buses already deployed, demonstrates their commitment to advancing cleaner transportation options.
By pairing First Charge with CaaS, districts are relieved from the complexities of energy management and vehicle maintenance. The solution offers a comprehensive approach that helps districts meet state and federal electrification mandates while promoting student safety and environmental benefits.
As North America’s leading school transportation provider, First Student continues to innovate, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for millions of students each day. The introduction of First Charge and CaaS represents a significant step toward the future of electric school transportation.
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