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First Student and Ampcontrol Partner to Power 30K Buses
With Ampcontrol’s EV charging platform, First Student hopes to bring more energy optimization to its fleet while lowering costs and enabling vehicle-to-grid charging.
March 27, 2025
With Ampcontrol’s EV charging platform, First Student will be able to optimize energy, save on costs, and enable vehicle-to-grid capabilities while integrating AI.
Photo: First Student
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First Student and Ampcontrol recently announced a partnership that will see Ampcontrol’s EV charging platform utilized to monitor and optimize First Student electric school bus operations.
A Partnership to Benefit 2.7 Million Students
With plans to deploy 30,000 electric buses across North America by 2035, First Student will use Ampcontrol’s platform to ensure sustainable and reliable transportation for 2.7 million students.
“Today, First Student has one of North America's largest electric bus fleets, and our smart charging technology provides substantial cost savings and a reliable electric fleet that powers the next generation,” said Joachim Lohse, CEO at Ampcontrol. “Together, we’re not just electrifying school buses—we’re redefining how we think about energy, mobility, and environmental responsibility. This partnership is creating a cleaner, smarter transportation experience for millions of students across North America, while upholding First Student’s commitment to the highest standards of reliability and efficiency.”
Joachim Lohse, CEO at Ampcontrol, is looking forward to the partnership, and hopes to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for school transportation.
Photo: Ampcontrol
Ampcontrol will provide its cloud software, AmpEdge, and professional services to optimize energy and fleet operation. The integrated software and hardware will enable scalable EV charging that can help fleets overcome grid limitations, reduce energy costs, and manage complex data.
The AI-powered platform will help First Student improve the reliability of its electric fleet while advancing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
“At First Student, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation solutions that support the students and communities we serve,” said Jen Harp, vice president, EV programs at First Student. “As we scale our electric fleet to 30,000 buses by 2035, partnering with Ampcontrol allows us to harness smart, real-time energy management technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure our buses are ready when and where students need them. This collaboration is a key part of our strategy to lead the way in school bus electrification.”
Some benefits First Student hopes to see from the partnership is a substantial reduction in monthly energy costs, higher charger uptime, and participation in V2G programs.
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