Electric School Buses to Power Oklahoma Communities During Outages
Oklahoma communities are pioneering a new approach to energy resilience, transforming electric school buses into mobile power sources capable of providing backup electricity during outages and extreme weather events. A collaborative project led by University of Oklahoma researchers is demonstrating the feasibility of this innovative solution in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with the potential for widespread adoption across the United States.
Recharge-OK: A Collaborative Initiative
The initiative, known as Recharge-OK, is spearheaded by the OU Hudson College of Public Health in partnership with Shawnee Public Schools and Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E). Additional support comes from research teams at the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus and Oklahoma State University . Key community partners include the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, the Indian Nations Council of Governments, the City of Oklahoma City, and Gordon Cooper Technology Center, alongside industry partners IC Bus and InCharge Energy.
Vehicle-to-Grid Technology: Turning Buses into Power Sources
At the heart of Recharge-OK is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This allows Shawnee Public School’s electric buses to not only draw power from the grid but as well send electricity back to it. Researchers retrofitted the buses to enable this bidirectional charging capability, effectively turning them into distributed energy storage units when parked . Hongwan Li, an assistant professor at the Hudson College of Public Health, explained that the buses were not originally designed for V2G functionality.
Pilot Program and NSF Funding
The project launched its pilot phase in October 2024, backed by a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) program . Researchers will implement the bidirectional charging stations this summer, evaluating the efficiency of power storage and transfer between the buses and the grid. Plans are underway to potentially expand V2G operation to daily apply during the next school year.
Benefits Beyond Energy Resilience
The V2G approach aims to mitigate power disruptions in Shawnee, providing electricity to critical facilities like schools and hospitals during emergencies. The project also has broader goals, including improving air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions around schools and bus depots. A partnership with Shawnee High School will launch a program in the spring to educate students about V2G technology through mentorship and interactive activities, fostering interest in STEM fields.
Future Expansion and Regional Impact
Researchers envision expanding the project to other communities and school districts across Oklahoma and beyond. They also aim to collaborate with relevant departments to integrate V2G assets into regional emergency response planning . This initiative represents a significant step towards a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Oklahoma and potentially the nation.