Yellow school buses have long been an iconic symbol in American popular culture. However, they’re now set to make a significant leap into the renewable energy sector as a smart energy hub.
A Brooklyn initiative. New York City is notorious for its dense traffic, particularly in the bustling area of Times Square. Energy company Con Edison and school bus service provider First Student have joined forces to carry out a new initiative aimed at combating high pollution levels and poor air quality. The project involves replacing traditional school buses with electric vehicles powered by solar panels. Additionally, the buses will act as mini power plants, supplying energy to the local grid.
Initially, the initiative will launch with a fleet of 12 school buses that will transport students in Brooklyn, although both companies are aiming for a total of 14,000 buses. Four electric buses are currently in operation, with the remaining units expected to run by next school year. Con Edison is supporting the implementation and sustainability of the project with a $9 million investment.
How will the initiative work? According to a recent press release, the school buses will produce zero emissions. Each bus will be equipped with 500 kW solar panels on the roof and a 2 MW storage system. Additionally, the electric vehicles will also have the ability to draw power from the grid.
However, the system differs from other projects because the energy generated by the buses can be injected back into the grid when needed, thanks to bi-directional chargers. According to Con Edison, this resource will be essential to meet the city’s peak demand, allowing the bus to function as a battery or mini power plant.
Vehicles with solar panels. Although they’re still scarce, some solar electric cars are emerging. A notable example is the Lightyear One car, which is equipped with solar panels and initially had a range of 45 miles per day. However, Lightyear eventually decided to focus solely on solar panel design. The company believes it’s easier to modify the panels for cars rather than redesign the entire vehicle.
Solar paint on cars. Advancements in electric car technology aimed at boosting autonomy are constantly emerging. For instance, a Mercedes-Benz project involves a paint that integrates solar cells, which can capture sunlight and convert it into energy. According to the German automaker, this system could add more than 12,000 miles of annual range under optimal conditions.
New York City has been making several changes in recent years to enhance urban living, including improvements to its waste management system. The new solar bus project particularly stands out because it also serves as a power plant and will supply energy back to the grid during peak demand hours.
Image | Zoshua Colah | Con Edison
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