Q&A
First Student, NextEra Energy Leaders Discuss Bus Electrification
I
n January, First Student announced its partnership with NextEra Energy Resources to embark on the largest electric school bus transition, targeting 43,000 school buses operating across the U.S. and Canada. Last month, First Student purchased its first 260 EVs, the largest such order to date, from the Lion Electric Company. School Transportation News recently
caught up with Claire Miller, First Student’s senior vice president of strategy, business development, marketing and communications, and Chelle Izzi, NextEra’s executive director of distributed generation, to learn more about the project’s scope, and the promise that electric school buses offer.
STN: How did First Student and NextEra
determine they would be good partners? Miller: That’s easy, our goal at First
Student is to care for students. One way we can do that is by introducing electric buses because it helps protect students and their environment. NextEra Energy Resources is the largest renewable energy company in the world. They are experts in providing charging infrastructure, including V2G, and have the capability for deployment of electric fleets. They complement First Student well because we are experts in student transportation, operations, safety, and maintenance. So therefore, First Student and NextEra Energy Resources bring together the best of both worlds. Izzi: We were also immediately drawn to
First Student’s market leadership. The size and national reach of their fleet matches NextEra Energy Resources’ operational coverage. Their safety record, consistent growth and high renewal rates reflect the kind of track record we are drawn to. By combining our strengths, we believe we can accelerate the electrification of student transportation across America.
28 School Transportation News • JUNE 2021 As a leading developer in the energy
industry, we know how to design projects for reliability, resiliency, and renewable integration. Because we are also an owner- operator, we understand how important it is for electrification infrastructure to be properly managed and maintained.
STN: Where do First Student and NextEra
stand on the electrification process? Miller: The process to provide electric
vehicles at any one location depends on that specific location and customer’s needs. We go in and assess each customer’s unique location, needs for transporting children, and the state of their current diesel buses to determine the best solutions for our customers. We are in the advanced stages with some of our customers and just starting the journey with others. Izzi: Regarding the electrification
process itself, I would add that there are several factors to consider. We start by performing a site analysis and feasibility study, which includes things like ensuring adequate power supply and anticipating the needs of a fully electrified fleet. Energy charging demands will vary by location depending on factors such as routes, climate, and terrain. Finally, we work to improve project economics by identifying available incentives, optimizing on- site energy resources, and factoring in potential vehicle-to-grid revenues. In a nutshell, we do everything possible to minimize the cost of electrification for our customers. vehicle-to-grid revenues. In a nutshell, we do everything possible to minimize the cost of electrification for our customers.
STN: When and where are the first electric buses expected to be added? Miller: We already have electric buses running in Quebec, and we are expecting
Claire Miller
Chelle Izzi
Read about First Student’s initial order of 260 electric school buses from the Lion Electric Company at
stnonline.com/go/90.
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