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First Student launches first-of-its-kind EV charging solution

First Student, a trusted school transportation provider for 2.75 million families in North America, has developed an innovative EV charging solution with broader applications.
By James Foster October 28, 2024 Read time: 1 min
First Charge, a trenchless system, makes it easier to electrify school buses and other fleets. Photo: First Student
First Charge, a trenchless system, makes it easier to electrify school buses and other fleets. Photo: First Student

Known as First Charge, this above-ground, trenchless system streamlines the electrification process for school districts, avoiding costly trenching even in cold climates. It also supports other electric vehicles, such as garbage trucks and delivery vans.

First Charge can reduce construction costs by up to 50%, with a flexible design that allows districts to expand their electric bus fleets over time. The system is tailored to each deployment, giving school administrators confidence that buses will be ready to serve students reliably each day.

The system supports up to 25 buses per power module and is easier to modify than traditional buried infrastructure, which is often costly and limits future growth.

First Charge eliminates barriers like expensive and complex infrastructure, helping districts meet electrification mandates while improving safety and health for students. Paired with the Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) model, First Student says it offers a complete solution that manages energy, charge scheduling, and vehicle maintenance on a subscription basis.