Electric School Bus Powers Celebration With V2G at NYC Mural Unveiling

Electric school buses are proving they can do much more than provide clean transportation and save school districts significant money. At a recent event in New York City, the NYCSBUS team demonstrated the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in a creative way by using an electric school bus to power a SnoKone machine at a summer gathering during the unveiling of the Electric School Bus (ESB) Mural at the NYCSBUS Zerega Avenue depot.

Organized with support from community and environmental advocates, the event celebrated the growing adoption of electric school buses and their benefits for local neighborhoods.

While full V2G infrastructure is still being developed for the project, the demonstration highlighted how electric school buses can serve as mobile energy resources, supplying electricity beyond transportation needs. The event showcased the versatility of electric buses and their potential role in supporting grid resilience.

Michael Bangert-Drowns, Senior Project Manager – Clean Transportation at NYSERDA, announced the event on his LinkedIn page. NYSERDA (The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) supports efforts that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while accelerating economic growth.

Bangert-Drowns thanked Juan Torres, Community Engagement Manager and the team at the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), an organization that fights climate change, conserves land and water, and protects public health in New York State through political action.

Bangert-Drowns also thanked Matt Berlin, Varun Adibhatla, and the NYC School Bus Umbrella Services, Inc team.

NYCSBUS (New York City School Bus Umbrella Services) is a nonprofit transportation provider serving New York City public and private school students, including many with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The organization operates approximately 800 school bus routes across six facilities, employs about 1,800 people, and manages an annual budget of roughly $190 million.

The organization is guided by three core objectives: delivering safe and exceptional transportation services, advancing innovation in student transportation, and promoting transparency for school districts and other stakeholders that rely on contracted transportation providers.

NYCSBUS believes these goals are best achieved by investing in and empowering its workforce. By supporting employees and fostering a culture of care, the organization strives to provide reliable service while meeting the needs of the students, families, and schools it serves every day.

Electric School Buses Clean the Air, Save Money and Inspire Students

Electric school buses deliver benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. By replacing diesel-powered buses with electric models, school districts can reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and improve air quality for students, drivers, and the communities they serve.

Electric buses also help school districts save money over time through lower fuel and maintenance costs. With fewer moving parts than traditional diesel vehicles, electric buses typically require less maintenance and can provide long-term operational savings.

From an environmental perspective, electric school buses help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support efforts to combat climate change. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, the environmental benefits continue to grow.

Just as importantly, electric school buses give students firsthand exposure to clean transportation technology. Seeing and riding in electric vehicles every day helps educate the next generation about sustainability, innovation, and the role transportation can play in creating a cleaner future.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology makes electric school buses even more valuable by allowing their large batteries to store electricity and send it back to the grid when needed. Because school buses are typically parked for long periods between routes, they can help utilities manage peak demand, support grid stability, and provide backup power during emergencies.

School districts may also generate additional revenue by participating in V2G programs, helping offset the cost of electrification. By turning electric school buses into mobile energy assets, V2G creates benefits for schools, utilities, and communities while strengthening the resilience of the electric grid.

By cleaning the air, lowering costs, reducing emissions, and inspiring students, electric school buses are becoming an important investment in both education and environmental stewardship.