Zūm will launch the Northeast’s largest fully electric school bus fleet in Branford, Connecticut, for the 2026–27 school year. The fleet will serve Branford Public Schools and include vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bidirectional charging capabilities. Additionally, the deployment marks Zūm’s first all-electric school bus yard on the East Coast.
Highlights
- Branford Public Schools will operate the largest fully electric school bus fleet with V2G capability in the Northeast, supported by modern charging infrastructure.
- The district is achieving full electrification three years ahead of schedule, completing the transition within two years of its 10-year contract with Zūm.
- Bidirectional V2G technology will enable buses to return stored energy to the local grid when vehicles are not in service.
- Zūm now partners with school districts across 15 states, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Omaha, Boston, and Kansas City.
V2G Technology Transforms Fleet Into Energy Asset
The electric fleet features built-in bidirectional V2G capabilities. As a result, school bus batteries can return energy to the local power grid at scale when buses are idle. This approach transforms traditionally underutilized fleet assets into strategic energy resources. Moreover, it supports grid resilience and maximizes the value of district infrastructure.
Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz attended the announcement event at Zūm’s Branford transportation yard. She noted that Branford is delivering cleaner air for students and smarter infrastructure for communities.
Contract Timeline Accelerated by Three Years
In 2024, Branford Public Schools awarded Zūm a 10-year student transportation contract. The original goal called for a complete transition to electric buses within five years. However, the district is now on track to achieve full electrification within just two years. That timeline represents a significant acceleration of the original plan.
Superintendent Christopher Tranberg said the partnership prioritizes students and families. He emphasized that electric buses with bidirectional charging create cleaner transportation today. Furthermore, they hold the potential to support grid resilience by feeding energy back into the grid.
Operational Features and Parent Technology
Beyond electrification, Zūm provides operational improvements for families and school administrators. The company reports a 98% on-time arrival rate for Branford Public Schools. In addition, a parent-facing mobile app allows families to track their children’s location during every ride.
Zūm’s National Electrification Momentum
This deployment builds on Zūm’s expanding national presence. During the 2024–25 school year, the company deployed the nation’s first fully electric school bus fleet at Oakland Unified School District in California. Zūm now serves more than 4,000 schools across 15 states.
Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zūm, described the Branford launch as a major milestone. She stated the company is building a modern transportation system focused on operational excellence, safety, and sustainability.
About Zūm
Zūm is a technology-led transportation company focused on modernizing student transportation. The company has raised over $350 million from investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, and SoftBank. For more information, visit www.ridezum.com.
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