San Francisco Unified School District to deploy 104 electric school buses with bidirectional charging

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has committed to a significant expansion of its electric school bus fleet by acquiring 104 electric buses equipped with bidirectional charging technology from transportation provider Zum. These buses are scheduled for deployment by August 2026, with plans to further increase the fleet to 238 electric vehicles by the 2027-2028 school year. This initiative marks a substantial step towards electrifying student transportation while integrating advanced energy management systems. The buses will operate using Zum’s Connected Mobility Experience (CMX) platform, which integrates electric vehicles with charging infrastructure, routing, dispatching, driver workflows, and parent communication. A key feature of this deployment is the inclusion of bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing the buses to not only draw power but also supply energy back to the local grid when idle. This capability is expected to provide approximately 3 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually during peak demand periods, enhancing grid stability and resilience in the San Francisco area. Zum’s CEO, Ritu Narayan, highlighted the dual benefits of this project, emphasising improvements in student and family mobility alongside contributions to grid reliability. Superintendent Maria Su echoed this sentiment, noting that the investment will deliver safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly transportation options for the district’s students. Both leaders underscored the broader community advantages stemming from the integration of clean energy and innovative transportation solutions. Looking ahead, the expansion of SFUSD’s electric fleet with bidirectional charging infrastructure sets a precedent for other districts aiming to modernise their transportation systems while supporting renewable energy goals. The project demonstrates how electric school buses can serve as mobile energy assets, offering a model for combining sustainable transport with smart grid technologies. As the rollout progresses, it will be closely watched for its impact on operational efficiency, environmental benefits, and community engagement.