Branford Public Schools in Connecticut is set to transition to a fully electric school bus fleet, with student transportation provider Zūm deploying its all-electric fleet for the district starting with the 2026-27 academic year. This move significantly accelerates the district’s commitment to sustainability, putting it on track to achieve its electrification goals three years earlier than initially planned.
Accelerated Electrification Goals Achieved
In 2024, Branford Public Schools entered into a 10-year contract with Zūm, a leading student transportation company. A key objective of this partnership was the district’s aim to convert its entire school bus fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) within a five-year timeframe. Zūm’s upcoming deployment means Branford is now poised to reach this 100% electric fleet target by the end of the 2026-27 school year, far surpassing the original five-year target.
Innovative V2G Technology Integration
A notable feature of this new electric fleet is the integration of bidirectional Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities in every bus. This technology allows the electric school buses to not only draw power from the grid but also to discharge stored energy back to the grid when the buses are not in use, such as during school hours or overnight.
Experts highlight that school buses represent an ideal application for electric vehicles. The incorporation of V2G technology further enhances the economic viability of electrification, potentially transforming the fleet from a cost center into a revenue-generating asset for the school district. Branford’s electric buses will actively contribute to grid stability and energy management by feeding power back to the local utility infrastructure.
Zūm’s Expanding National Footprint
Zūm, the company spearheading this transition, has established a significant presence across the United States, serving school districts in 15 states. Its operational hubs include major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Omaha, Boston, and Kansas City.
This initiative in Branford marks a key expansion for Zūm’s electrification efforts onto the East Coast. The company previously demonstrated its commitment to electric school transportation by deploying a fully electric fleet for the Oakland Unified School District in California during the 2024-25 school year.
Setting a New National Standard
Ritu Narayan, the founder and CEO of Zūm, emphasized the importance of this development. “This marks a major milestone in Zūm’s continued national electrification expansion,” Narayan stated. “As we expand our electrification efforts to the East Coast and launch our first fully electric school bus fleet in the region, Branford is helping set a new national standard.”
The successful implementation of a comprehensive electric school bus program in Branford is expected to serve as a model for other districts nationwide looking to embrace sustainable transportation solutions. The combination of advanced EV technology and smart grid integration offers a clear pathway for school districts to reduce their environmental impact and potentially create new revenue streams.