Dr. Greggory Kresge, senior manager of utility engage-
ment and transportation electrification for the World Resources Institute, insists talk about the V2G infrastruc- ture details shouldn’t worry fleet directors. For starters, bus electrification does not require a microgrid. And WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative has an abundance of resourc- es to help districts, ranging from considerations when making decisions to questions to ask local utilities and information about network operators, software firms and charger manufacturers. “WRI is about equitable deployment of electric school buses. We don’t want school districts to decide they don’t want to do it because it’s just too complicated,” he said. “We want districts to have a good experi- ence.”
The Modesto district’s
board approved the purchase of 30 electric buses in January 2022. “They didn’t want to
Energy Coalition and, especially, the district’s local utility provider. The Modesto district has hosted visits from three dis-
tricts—California neighbors Fresno and Napa Valley as well as Biloxi, Mississippi—and welcomes others. Rosas noted that Kresge arranged for the Napa Valley team’s visit to Modesto, in part because the districts would have buses from the same manufacturer and retain the same electric contractor. “If you want to get from here to fully electric, you’re
dip their toe in. They actually wanted to con- vert half of the 62-bus fleet,” commented Ro- sas, a 2022 STN Rising SuperStar for is efforts. “We started receiving them in April 2023 and started with eight of them in service at the beginning of the school year. Even though we’ve only had them in since August, we’ve saved about 26,313 gallons of diesel through Feb- ruary, which in California translates to about $119,000 of savings. For us, battery electric buses have really been the tip of the spear.” His advice to anyone considering bus electrification of
If you want to get from here to fully electric, you’re crossing a dangerous road like the Autobahn. Rather than run across and try to get lucky, you want to build a bridge over it
with your champions ... Gilbert Rosas, Modesto City Schools in California
crossing a dangerous road like the Autobahn. Rather than run across and try to get lucky, you want to build a bridge over it with your champions, your utility people who do it, the project management people who do it. That’s what gets you over safely to the right side of the road,” Rosas contin- ued. “I’ll be truthful: It’s not easy. But if you’re proactive, you’re not forced to rush and make mistakes. There’s never been more funding both on the state and federal level. And it’s worth it.” For Rosas, the yellow-bus
industry’s looming green revolution also holds anoth- er promise. “For disadvantaged com-
munities and people in underserved areas, buses are a symbol of hope and a
microgrid construction begins with not going it alone. “Don’t try to be a Lone Ranger. Don’t try to be an expert. Compare notes with other districts that have the same number of students, same number of buses, or are in the same geographic location. That way, you’re com- paring apples to apples. Tap into resources like the WRI’s Electric School Bus Advisory Council, and their online resources,” said Rosas, who is the council’s co-chair. He also recommended checking in with the Alliance for Electric School Buses, the California-focused School
44 School Transportation News • JUNE 2024
means of change. They’re a real tangible asset that they can see. And many times, in disadvantaged communi- ties, you don’t get new things,” he explained. “This new technology creates environmental justice where poor communities typically have far more emissions and are less fortunate to have these things. I’m glad our district leaders have been good [financial] stewards, and they are leading the way for the rest of the community.” While noting that grid development will evolve, Rosas encouraged his peers to “figure out what you can do now.” “Sustainability is what you’re willing to do, individually
or collectively, to change. Because, otherwise, you’re not going to have the world you want,” Rosas said. “In other words, don’t talk to me about what you can’t do; talk to me about what you can do. That’s how you can make a difference.” ●
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