Planning for future facilities can be challenging enough, but when it comes to electric school buses, the unknowns of evolving technology can bring extra challenges. One approach that may simplify planning is using adaptable charging units to avoid tearing up parking lots. An example is FlexCharge, an infra-
structure solution for charging vehicles developed by First Student that can be easily deployed and, if necessary, relocated. A shipping container sent to the customer contains all the necessary components including transformers, switch gear, chargers, distribution panel, and master switch. H-Frames attached to 4,000-pound concrete blocks called Jersey barriers are used to hold everything in place. This solu- tion is generally available for fleets with 10 or more electric buses, but there is also a kit available for fleets with fewer electric buses. Kevin Matthews, First Student’s
head of electrification, said the com- pany first introduced this approach in Quebec. Some version of it is now in place in several states including Cali- fornia, Montana and Rhode Island. “And we’ve got it slated to go into nearly every project we’re now taking through the construction phase,” he added. “It’s a very cost-effective solution
for bringing charging capabilities to all types of locations, including those where flooding is an issue,” Matthews continued. “And it does simplify upgrading facilities as no trenching is required, so the issue of underground obstacles or conditions is avoided.” FlexCharge is the brainchild of the
company’s head engineer Alex Cook and his team, resulting in the inaugu- ral STN Innovator of the Year Award in 2022. Read more about how the tech- nology works from an STN webinar in April at
stnonline.com/go/ka.
made,” Lee noted. The design phase began in
June 2022, two months after the conceptual phase iden- tified challenges, goals and scope and two years after the master plan study was com- pleted. Fuel systems will be updated and propane storage expanded with more dispens- ers. A new training room and an updated dispatch center will provide access to multiple repeaters, a marked improve- ment over present conditions. “The current location only has access to one repeater and if it goes down, dispatch radio communications go down,” Lee said. “And ex- panded yellow fleet shop and connected white fleet shops will allow some consolidation of equipment, as well as some cross-training for technicians.”
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www.besi-inc.com 46 School Transportation News • SEPTEMBER 2024
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