6 New Electric Buses in Colorado Double as Backup Batteries for Denver Area Power Grid

A school district in Colorado has introduced a new fleet of electric buses that do more than just transport children. These vehicles also serve as backup batteries for the local power grid. By storing excess energy and releasing it when needed, the buses help stabilize electricity supply during times of high demand.

The six new buses operate within the Cherry Creek School District. They follow a daily routine that begins with charging at night. During this time, the grid has lower demand for electricity. The buses draw power to fill their batteries completely. When morning arrives, the buses leave their depot to pick up students and drop them off at school. In the afternoon, they repeat the process to bring children home.

Normally, these buses would return to their charging stations after their routes are complete. They would remain idle until the next day’s schedule begins. However, the Cherry Creek system works differently. Thanks to a specialized technology called bi-directional charging, the buses can send power back into the electrical grid. This feature allows the district to support the community’s energy needs after the students have gone home.

Electricity usage changes throughout the day. In most regions, power demand is lowest at night. It rises sharply in the late afternoon and early evening. This period is known as peak demand. During these hours, people return home from work or school. They turn on kitchen appliances, televisions, and air conditioning units. They begin to relax and unwind after a long day.

This surge in usage can strain the power grid. Utilities must work hard to ensure there is enough electricity to meet the need. In the Cherry Creek district, the buses help manage this challenge. Highland Electric Fleets, the company that provided the buses, designed them to help during these critical hours.