The Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) will mark the beginning of construction on a new electric school bus facility with a groundbreaking ceremony. The project represents a significant step in the District’s efforts to modernize student transportation through a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, a leading North American provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS). Under the agreement, Highland will supply six bidirectional-capable Type C IC electric school buses, six 60kW bidirectional charging stations, fleet electrification expertise, and ongoing operational support.

This deployment forms part of Xcel Energy’s bidirectional charging demonstration program. Through this initiative, electricity stored in the buses’ batteries can be returned to the power grid during periods of high demand when the buses are not transporting students. The project is supported by funding that includes $2.4 million from Xcel Energy’s electric school bus rebate program, along with additional operational incentives.

“Cherry Creek School District is committed to pursuing opportunities that benefit both the environment and taxpayers,” said Dr. Jennifer Perry, Interim Superintendent of CCSD. “This partnership advances our sustainability objectives while creating long-term operational efficiencies.”

The program provides the District with six electric school buses through a lease arrangement costing approximately $20,000 annually per vehicle. When fuel and maintenance expenses are considered, the lifetime ownership cost of a conventional diesel bus over a 12-year period is significantly higher than that of the electric buses offered through this initiative. After reviewing several fleet electrification options, the District concluded that this program delivered a competitive total cost of ownership, strong long-term value, and included the charging infrastructure and support services necessary for successful operations. Additionally, Highland and Xcel Energy will fund all required infrastructure upgrades, while Highland will handle maintenance beyond routine inspections and servicing.

Electric school buses offer several advantages over diesel-powered vehicles. They operate at substantially lower noise levels—up to four times quieter—helping create a more comfortable environment for both students and drivers. Their simplified design, featuring approximately 97% fewer moving parts than diesel buses, reduces maintenance requirements, lowers operating costs over time, and minimizes exposure to fluctuations in diesel fuel prices.

“School buses are among the most visible and frequently utilized assets within a community, making them an ideal candidate for electrification,” said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer at Highland Electric Fleets. “Cherry Creek School District is developing a transportation program that not only modernizes student travel but also demonstrates how bidirectional charging can contribute to grid reliability and broader energy management objectives.”

The Electric School Bus Depot Groundbreaking Ceremony will take place on June 4 at 10:30 a.m. at 16500 E. Smoky Hill Road in Aurora, Colorado.