Illinois is leading the charge towards a greener future for its schools, and Synop is playing a crucial role. The leading software provider for electric vehicle fleets has been chosen to manage the charging infrastructure for Bus2Grid’s ambitious Renew America’s Schools Grant. This exciting partnership will electrify school bus fleets across 14 Illinois school districts, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation and substantial cost savings.
Bus2Grid, a pioneer in school bus electrification, is spearheading this initiative with a $15 million Department of Energy grant. Their end-to-end fleet electrification services, provided in partnership with the Illinois Energy Consortium (IEC) Powered by Future Green – Illinois’ largest school energy management group – will help schools install campus microgrids and build durable, energy-saving systems. This project isn’t just about replacing diesel buses with electric ones; it’s about creating a holistic, cost-effective energy solution for schools. The IEC, a not-for-profit initiative, actively advocates for member school districts while ensuring long-term, affordable energy solutions.
Synop’s advanced charging management platform is central to this success. The software offers a suite of intelligent features designed to optimize charging efficiency and minimize energy costs. These include:
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Intelligent Charging:
Dynamically schedules charging to take advantage of lower energy rates and maximize the use of on-site renewable energy sources like solar power.*
Real-Time Monitoring:
Provides constant oversight of charging status, energy consumption, and the overall health of the electric bus fleet, allowing for proactive maintenance and preventing costly downtime.*
Remote Control:
Enables remote management and troubleshooting of charging stations, streamlining maintenance and reducing response times to any issues.*
Scalability:
Easily adapts to the evolving needs of growing fleets, ensuring the system remains effective as more electric buses are added.This intelligent approach to charging management isn’t just about saving money; it’s about maximizing revenue opportunities. By integrating onsite solar and battery storage, the system facilitates vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This allows the buses to feed excess energy back into the grid during periods of high demand, generating additional revenue for the schools. This innovative approach puts money directly back into the classrooms, supporting educational initiatives.
“Synop offers a well-developed charging management solution that positions our schools for success at launch,” said Tim Farquer, Bus2Grid’s Administrative Lead. “Their dedication to interoperability and vehicle-to-grid technology positions us for success for years to come.” Mark Braby, Chief Commercial Officer at Synop, added, “We are excited to partner with Bus2Grid to support their mission of electrifying school bus fleets. Our comprehensive charging management platform enables schools to ensure operational uptime while optimizing savings and emissions reductions.”
This collaboration between Bus2Grid and Synop represents a significant advancement in sustainable transportation and energy management within the educational sector. It’s a powerful example of how innovative technology can create a cleaner, greener, and more cost-effective future for schools across the nation. The success of this Illinois-based project will likely serve as a model for other states seeking to modernize their school bus fleets and embrace sustainable practices.
