First Student, a school transportation and technology provider, has created First Charge, a new approach to electric vehicle charging with multiple applications beyond student transportation. First Charge is an above-ground, trenchless charging infrastructure solution designed to provide fleets with more efficient deployment of electric vehicles.  

Simplifying the Fleet Electrification Process

With the aim to simplify the electrification process, First Charge can eliminate the need for time-intensive and cost-prohibitive trenching, even in cold weather climates. First Charge is capable of supporting last mile services for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles such as dump trucks, garbage trucks, and even postal/delivery vehicles.

According to the company, First Charge can save districts up to 50% on construction costs and can support up to 25 electric school buses per power management module. 

Removing the Complexities of Energy Management, Charge scheduling, and Vehicle Maintenance

Many firms that are hired to design a power distribution solution choose to bury cable underground. Burying cables requires digging and trenching, which can be an expensive approach that limits future expansion and is disruptive to residents, businesses, and operations. 

Once buried, modifying the infrastructure is limited when trying to accommodate changing lot requirements as a district grows its electric fleet.

First Student pairs First Charge with a comprehensive energy management solution for customers called Charging as a Service (CaaS). The CaaS offering handles energy procurement, charge management, and fleet maintenance, allowing fleets to focus on operations while First Student’s First Services division manages the charging infrastructure.

It is also offered on a monthly subscription basis.