Enhancing School Bus Fleet Efficiency with Kempower Technology
In a pioneering move towards the electrification of school bus fleets across North America, Kempower, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology, has partnered with the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) in Quebec, Canada, along with Quebec-based Bornes Quebec, a provider of charging infrastructure. Together, they have launched a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging system that marks a significant milestone in ETSB’s commitment to a sustainable, emission-free future for its transportation fleet.
This innovative EV charging site, which began operations in early 2024, plays a key role in ETSB’s ongoing efforts to transition from traditional, fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric school buses. The charging system is designed to accommodate the specific needs of the school board’s fleet, ensuring that the buses can charge efficiently and reliably, with a focus on minimizing emissions, reducing operational costs, and promoting sustainability.
The Eastern Townships School Board, located in the beautiful region of Quebec, has taken a groundbreaking step by becoming one of the first school districts in North America to introduce a dedicated charging site for its electric school bus fleet. This charging facility incorporates Kempower’s advanced, cloud-based charging management software, known as ChargEye.
This cutting-edge system allows ETSB to effectively manage and monitor its fleet’s charging operations, giving them the ability to optimize charging schedules, track energy consumption, and generate reports. One of the key features of ChargEye is its ability to validate 100% of potential carbon credits, which is a crucial component of the school board’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.
The scalability and upgradability of the charging system were instrumental in the decision to partner with Kempower. The system was specifically designed to support the dynamic power-sharing needs of an electric school bus fleet. This flexibility ensures that the charging infrastructure can evolve alongside the growing demands of electric mobility. As more buses are added to ETSB’s fleet in the coming years, the charging infrastructure will be able to expand and accommodate additional vehicles seamlessly.
Another standout feature of the Kempower charging system is its advanced fleet identification capabilities. When a bus plugs into the charging station, the system automatically recognizes the vehicle, eliminating the need for complex access control systems. This feature not only enhances security but also streamlines the charging process, ensuring that buses can be charged quickly and efficiently without any manual intervention.
Additionally, this functionality enables the charging site to operate as a public charging station during periods of inactivity, such as school holidays, summer breaks, and after-school hours. This flexibility allows the facility to generate additional revenue by offering charging services to the public, a business model that is gaining popularity among electric school bus operators across North America.
Pascal Flambard, the Head of Business Development Canada at Kempower, emphasized the significance of the partnership with ETSB, stating, “Our chargers offer unmatched reliability for Eastern Townships, ensuring their fleet has the power it needs to operate efficiently, all while being a cost-effective solution that delivers long-term value.” He further highlighted Kempower’s commitment to providing innovative and sustainable charging solutions that are both user-friendly and scalable, catering to the unique needs of electric school bus fleets.
At present, the Eastern Townships charging site supports a fleet of 30 electric school buses, with a total of 14 fast (Level 3) charging points. These fast chargers are capable of providing rapid energy to the buses, ensuring that they are ready for operation with minimal downtime. This fleet is part of ETSB’s broader goal to electrify its entire school bus fleet, which currently consists of 77 vehicles.
With the addition of these electric buses, ETSB has successfully electrified approximately 39% of its fleet, with an ambitious target to achieve 65% electrification by 2030. This project is a key part of the school board’s sustainability strategy, and it demonstrates the potential for electric school buses to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
The collaboration between Kempower, Bornes Quebec, and ETSB is a prime example of how public and private sector partnerships can drive innovation in the field of electric mobility. The project highlights the important role that electric school buses can play in reducing the carbon footprint of school transportation while providing a practical solution to the growing demand for sustainable energy sources.
As more school districts across North America look to transition to electric fleets, the success of this project serves as a model for future initiatives, showing that it is possible to make the switch to clean energy in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
This partnership also highlights Kempower’s growing presence in North America’s electric mobility sector. The company’s solutions are not only designed to meet the needs of electric school bus fleets but also to support other e-mobility sectors, including electric cars, delivery vehicles, and more. Kempower’s charging solutions are renowned for their reliability, scalability, and ease of use, making them an ideal choice for school districts and fleet operators seeking to transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
Kempower’s innovative approach to EV charging is making waves in the industry, and the company is committed to continuing to provide cutting-edge solutions for the growing electric mobility market. By partnering with organizations like ETSB and Bornes Quebec, Kempower is helping to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.
