Oakland’s new school buses don’t just reduce pollution — they double as giant batteries

The wheels on this bus go round and round, the wipers swish, and the horn beeps. But hidden inside is something special – a motor that pairs with technology to help the grid with renewable energy. Developed by Zum, these electric buses are now transporting 1,300 students for Oakland Unified School District, making it the first major district in the US to switch to 100% electrified buses. These buses replace diesel ones that pollute the air, particularly in underserved areas. V2G technology in the buses benefits the grid by providing extra energy during peak times, helping wean off fossil fuels. As buses charge during off-peak times, they give back energy during peak hours. The potential of V2G extends to other electric vehicles, creating a network of batteries available to the grid. Utilities pay owners of V2G vehicles for the power they provide, making electric buses cost-competitive with diesel ones. Oakland Unified and other districts can benefit from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program to make the switch. The flexible energy storage provided by V2G technology is crucial as the demand for energy increases due to climate change. The future holds possibilities of using electric buses as backup power sources for the grid during high-demand periods.