Exelon Partners in Innovative Electric School Bus Pilot for Sustainable Energy in Illinois

Innovative Pilot Program Aims to Enhance Electric School Bus Utilization in Northern Illinois

Nuvve Holding Corp. has launched an innovative pilot program in collaboration with Resource Innovations and ComEd to explore the benefits of bidirectional charging using electric school buses in northern Illinois. This initiative, which will run until the end of Q4 2025, seeks to assess the environmental, societal, and grid impacts of integrating vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology into the transportation sector. With ComEd serving over 4.3 million customers, this program has the potential to significantly enhance grid stability while promoting the use of clean energy in local schools.

Nuvve’s V2G technology transforms electric vehicles, particularly school buses, into mobile energy storage assets. This effectively allows energy stored in bus batteries to be utilized during peak demand periods, thus reducing energy costs and enhancing overall energy efficiency. Scott Vogt, ComEd's Vice President of Strategy and Energy Policy, expresses optimism about the program's implications for lowering emissions and improving access to electric vehicle infrastructure for local school districts. The pilot will include participation from three school districts already using Nuvve's technology, positioning them to take advantage of the dual benefits of clean transportation and energy management.

The collaboration aligns with ComEd's broader Beneficial Electrification initiatives, designed to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure. Since last year, ComEd has already installed 3,500 EV charging ports and added 200 electric fleet vehicles, which include school buses, to its operations. By harnessing the potential of electric school buses in this pilot program, both Nuvve and ComEd aim to deliver meaningful benefits not only to the utility and its customers but also to the wider community, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability throughout the region.

In addition to the pilot program, ComEd has announced the availability of $100 million in rebates to facilitate electric vehicle adoption in 2025. This funding will support residential charger installations, all-electric fleet vehicles, and charging infrastructure for businesses and public sectors, targeting the alleviation of upfront cost barriers. ComEd's commitment to sustainable transportation options reflects its goal of having 1 million EVs on the road by 2030, as outlined in Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

As communities look to adopt cleaner transportation solutions, the pilot program and rebate initiatives signify substantial steps toward enhancing electric vehicle infrastructure and accessibility. The collaboration between Nuvve and ComEd not only supports local school districts in upgrading their fleets but also underscores a commitment to advancing environmental goals in northern Illinois.