Electric Cars

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.

Chevrolet is gearing up to revitalize its classic Camaro, transforming it into an electric powerhouse. This reinterpretation aims to combine the legendary muscle car spirit with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Anticipated to debut in late 2026 as a 2027 model, the electric Camaro is poised to be a significant entrant in the burgeoning EV segment, potentially challenging rivals like the Mustang Mach-E. Chevrolet's recent success with affordable EVs, notably the Equinox EV, positions the company as a formidable player, now second only to Tesla in US electric vehicle sales. The upcoming Camaro EV is expected to bolster this momentum, offering a diverse range of configurations and performance levels to cater to a broad spectrum of enthusiasts.

While specifics remain under wraps, hints suggest the electric Camaro might adopt a crossover-SUV aesthetic, a departure from its traditional form. However, a two-door fastback option is not being ruled out, ensuring a nod to its heritage. Mark Reuss, General Motors' president, is reportedly championing the preservation of the Camaro's 'pony car' essence, albeit with an electric drivetrain. Speculation also points to an accessible entry-level model, potentially starting around $35,000, aligning with Chevrolet's strategy of offering affordable electric options. Intriguingly, there are whispers of the Camaro evolving into its own sub-brand, encompassing various body styles such as a 2+2 coupe, a convertible, and both two-door and four-door SUV derivatives.

At the heart of the electric Camaro's anticipated performance will likely be General Motors' versatile Ultium Platform, the foundational technology for many of Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac's current electric offerings. This advanced platform is expected to provide substantial range and power. Base models could feature an 85 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of 279 miles, akin to the Chevy Blazer EV. Higher-tier versions might boast a larger 102 kWh battery, extending the estimated range to an impressive 334 miles.

For those craving exhilarating performance, a high-performance 'SS' variant is on the horizon, drawing inspiration from the Blazer EV SS's dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The 2025 Blazer EV SS, with its 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, setting a high bar for the Camaro. Furthermore, an extreme performance model, possibly designated as a ZL1 trim, could integrate the GMC Hummer EV's formidable tri-motor, 1,000 horsepower setup, promising unparalleled acceleration and power. While official pricing and final specifications will be disclosed closer to the launch, the electric Camaro is projected to span a price range of $36,000 to $65,500.

Chevrolet's aggressive move into the electric vehicle sector, underscored by the forthcoming Camaro EV, solidifies its position as a major contender. The brand's recent successes, exemplified by the Equinox EV's record-breaking sales, highlight a growing demand for diverse and accessible electric mobility. The electric Camaro, with its blend of iconic styling, diverse configurations, and potent electric performance, is poised to capture the imagination of both loyal enthusiasts and new electric vehicle adopters, marking a significant chapter in the storied history of the Camaro nameplate.