In this Article
In this Article
Fremont Unified & PG&E Vehicle-to-Grid Electric School Buses
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), in collaboration with Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) and The Mobility House, has launched one of California’s most advanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric school bus programs. The new fleet consists of 14 electric buses—four from Thomas Built and 10 from Blue Bird—supported by an expanded charging infrastructure of 22 chargers, including six high-power bidirectional V2G fast chargers. The project will replace six diesel-powered buses, with four electric models entering service this year and two more planned for 2026. PG&E Vice President Mike Delaney called the initiative “a shining example of how innovation creates a cleaner, smarter energy future.”
Central to the project is The Mobility House’s ChargePilot platform, which manages intelligent charging and discharging to optimize fleet operations and grid support. Because electric school buses have large batteries and predictable schedules, they are ideal for V2G applications. Through participation in PG&E’s Emergency Load Reduction Program, FUSD’s buses can provide energy back to the grid during peak demand, using OpenADR protocols for secure, two-way communication. PG&E upgraded the district’s electrical infrastructure to support the system, including a 750 kVA transformer, a 2,500-amp switchgear, and an upgraded 480-volt service entrance—streamlining the process under California’s Rule 15/16 for service upgrades and Rule 21 for energy export capabilities.
This deployment is part of PG&E’s broader Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot, building on a successful 2024 program with Zum and Oakland Unified School District. Since joining PG&E’s EV Fleet program in 2019, Fremont USD has received incentives for 17 electric buses and 13 electric medium-duty vehicles. The initiative is backed by multiple partners, including Polara, the World Resources Institute, and the Center for Transportation and the Environment. FUSD Director of Transportation Ernest Epley noted that the buses are already improving local air quality and will now serve as a clean, reliable energy source for the community.
Electrify America Hyper-Fast EV Charging in Santa Monica
Electrify America has launched its first charging station in Santa Monica, California, featuring 20 Hyper-Fast chargers capable of delivering up to 350 kW—enough to add about 20 miles of range per minute for compatible EVs. Located near the I-10 freeway, the site reflects the company’s strategy to build larger, high-capacity hubs in high-demand areas. With over 1,000 stations and 5,000 chargers nationwide, Electrify America continues expanding its open, high-voltage network, which has offered 350 kW charging since 2018 and Plug&Charge capability since 2020. The company is also testing new technologies to support future EVs and improve reliability.
Greenlane & Windrose I-10 Electric Truck Charging Expansion
Greenlane is building its second commercial EV charging corridor, linking Southern California to Phoenix via I-10, in partnership with electric truck maker Windrose Technology. The route includes Greenlane’s flagship Colton, CA, charging center and upcoming sites in Blythe, CA, and Greater Phoenix, AZ. Windrose’s Class 8 R700 electric semi recently completed nearly 300-mile single-charge hauls from Colton to Phoenix with a 74,420-pound payload, achieving a peak 772 kW charge rate—demonstrating the real-world viability of long-haul electric freight.
Windrose plans to produce 2,000 trucks in 2026 and 10,000 in 2027 globally, with the Colton center serving as its U.S. operational base. Nevoya, an electric trucking carrier, will be among the first to operate along the I-10 corridor, using Greenlane’s infrastructure for charging and driver support. The expansion is part of Greenlane’s broader effort to establish a nationwide network of high-performance charging for medium- and heavy-duty fleets.
Paired Power Patent Rapid-Deploy Solar EV Charging Canopy
Paired Power has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 12,375,024 for its PairTree™ solar canopy system, a breakthrough in quickly deployable electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The patented method uses an integrated lift mechanism to assemble solar panels at ground level before elevating them into place, eliminating the need for scaffolding or external lifts. This innovation cuts installation time from weeks to hours, reduces labor costs and safety risks, and expands EV charging access in locations with limited or no grid power.
Unlike traditional chargers requiring trenching or major construction, PairTree preserves existing parking spaces and can operate independently from the grid. The system integrates solar power and energy storage to create a self-powered microgrid, enabling operation in remote or utility-constrained areas while avoiding costly peak-demand utility charges. Its modular design allows flexible, cost-effective deployment to meet immediate charging needs with minimal site disruption.
This marks Paired Power’s fourth patent since 2016, further solidifying its leadership in solar-powered EV charging solutions. CEO Tom McCalmont called the patent “a monumental achievement” that will accelerate EV adoption by making sustainable charging more accessible and efficient. The company will showcase its full suite of microgrid EV charging solutions in a live webinar on September 18.
Electrify America & Royal Farms Hyper-Fast EV Charging in MD
Electrify America, the largest open Hyper-Fast EV charging network in the U.S., has partnered with convenience store chain Royal Farms to install ultra-fast chargers at eight Maryland locations. The stations—capable of speeds up to 350 kW—can charge compatible EVs in about 20 minutes and are now open in Halethorpe and Oxon Hill, with six more sites coming soon. The collaboration will provide over 55 chargers across the state, integrating fast charging with Royal Farms’ food and beverage offerings for added convenience. Drivers can pay via card, Plug&Charge, or the Electrify America app, which also offers station location, pricing, and charging progress features.
Federal NEVI Guidelines Updated
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced streamlined guidelines for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, following a federal court’s overturning of a program freeze. The updated rules are designed to speed the deployment of EV charging stations across the country.
The revisions have drawn mixed reactions. Advocacy groups like the Charge Ahead Partnership and CALSTART praised the changes, noting that the streamlined process could facilitate station construction and support job creation. At the same time, some critics expressed concerns that the removal of certain requirements may undermine equitable access to charging infrastructure.