California School District Launches Advanced V2G Electric Bus Fleet

A groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric school bus initiative has commenced operations in California, spearheaded by a collaborative effort between Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), and The Mobility House. This pioneering fleet is poised to deliver not only environmentally friendly transport for pupils but also a valuable supplementary power source for the regional electricity network. This development signifies a notable stride towards resilient energy infrastructure and sustainable mobility solutions.
The Fremont Unified School District's electric bus fleet now boasts 14 vehicles, comprising four Thomas Built and ten Blue Bird models, supported by 22 charging stations. Among these, six are high-power bidirectional V2G DC fast chargers, enabling the buses to both draw and supply power. Two additional high-power unidirectional chargers are slated for installation in 2026. This expansion facilitates the replacement of six diesel-powered buses, with four electric counterparts entering service this year and two more scheduled for 2026.
This endeavor is a component of the California Energy Commission-funded Replicable Vehicle-to-X Deployment Study (RVXDS), with The Mobility House at the helm. Their proprietary ChargePilot platform is instrumental in regulating the charging and discharging cycles of these buses, effectively transforming them into mobile energy reserves. These 'mobile batteries' are capable of injecting power back into the grid during periods of peak demand, enhancing grid stability and reliability. Gregor Hintler, CEO North America of The Mobility House, emphasized the immense potential of electric school buses, given their substantial battery capacities and predictable operational schedules, to bolster the electric grid through V2G technology.
Beyond supporting the grid during high demand, the ChargePilot system also empowers FUSD to participate in PG&E’s Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP). This program allows the district to respond to OpenADR signals, dispatching stored energy from the bus batteries back to the grid when the electrical system experiences stress. To accommodate this advanced system, PG&E undertook significant infrastructure upgrades, including a new 480-volt 3-phase service entrance, a 750kVA transformer, and a 2,500-amp switchgear designed to support future charging expansions. The utility also streamlined the process by fast-tracking the service upgrade and connecting the site under Rule 21, which permits energy exports and generates additional revenue for the school district.
This initiative represents the second school district to join PG&E’s commercial fleet Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot program, following a successful deployment in 2024 with Zum and Oakland Unified. FUSD has been actively engaged in PG&E’s EV Fleet program since 2019, which has provided incentives for 17 school buses and 13 medium-duty electric vehicles, demonstrating a sustained commitment to fleet electrification. Ernest Epley, FUSD’s director of transportation, highlighted the dual benefits of these electric buses: cleaner air for the community and the novel ability to supply clean, dependable energy to the grid.
The integration of V2G technology in school bus fleets marks a significant advancement in both clean transportation and energy management. These initiatives underscore a broader trend towards leveraging electric vehicles not just for mobility, but as dynamic assets within a smarter, more resilient energy grid. Such projects pave the way for a future where transportation infrastructure plays a proactive role in supporting energy demands and promoting environmental sustainability.