PR Newswire·Sep 30, 2026, 9:00 AM ET

Jeffco Public Schools Launches Six Electric School Buses with Xcel Energy and Highland Electric Fleets

Jefferson County Public Schools, Xcel Energy, & Highland Electric Fleets launched six new electric school buses & six bidirectional chargers at a Lakewood facility on Sept. 30, 2026.
The IC electric school buses will serve Jeffco students this school year to improve air quality, reduce emissions, & increase transportation efficiency.
Xcel Energy provided $3.4 million in funding through its Electric School Bus Program, which aims to launch 38 electric buses & 30 bidirectional charging systems statewide.
Highland Electric Fleets supports the project via its Electrification-as-a-Service model, supplying the buses, charging infrastructure, & long-term operational services.
The fleet demonstrates bidirectional charging technology, allowing buses to act as mobile energy assets that store electricity & return it to the grid when available.
Project leaders state that replacing five diesel buses with electric models could reduce pediatric asthma risk for 1,500 students while providing grid flexibility.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 809 Quail St. in Lakewood, followed by opportunities for attendees to ride the new electric buses.