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Zum EV charging station with school buses.

Zum

The nightlife of school buses is about to get more interesting.

Zum, which provides student transportation including EV buses to 4,000 schools across the country, is partnering with the Oakland Unified School District to start selling power stored in EV batteries back to the California utility grid.

Oakland is the first school district in the U.S. to go fully electric with its buses and will now be the first to test the concept of V2G (vehicle to grid) bidirectional charging. In effect, instead of the one-way charge into the vehicle, the school buses will be able to send their battery power back to the grid through Zum charging infrastructure.

Zum estimates that 2.1 gigawatt hours of energy can be sent from batteries back to the California grid annually. The company’s goal is to add 10,000 bidirectional EV school buses across the U.S. with 300 gigawatt hours of energy available to power grids each year. San Francisco Unified and Los Angeles Unified, much larger districts than Oakland, are expected to follow, Zum said. It also works with school districts in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Virginia.

Zum ranked No. 31 on the 2024 CNBC Disruptor 50 list. 

More coverage of the 2024 CNBC Disruptor 50

There have been pilots across the country to test school bus V2G business models, but Zum says the time has come to move beyond the test phase.

“We at Zum strongly believe it is time to move beyond pilots and deploy sustainability solutions at scale. Converting the Oakland Unified school bus fleet to 100% electric with VPP [virtual power plant] capability is the right step in that direction,” said Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum, in a release.

According to Zum, the 27 million students moved across the country to and from schools twice daily is the largest mass transit system in the country. The roughly 500,000 school buses are mostly diesel, contributing to emissions. Zum has the goal of being a net-zero transport provider.

Pacific Gas and Electric, which is based in Oakland, has partnered with Zum to enable its bidirectional charging station for EV buses in Oakland.

Zum EV school buses at a charging station.

Zum

The concept is considered a strong one given the fact that school buses are not in use during peak energy demand hours, for example, between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. This allows the buses, and their owners, to execute an energy arbitrage trade: charging up for their core daily task of moving students when energy prices are lower, and feeding battery storage back onto the grid when utilities will pay more for it per kilowatt/hour. As owner of the buses in use in Oakland, Zum will be the one to receive revenue from the grid deal, but in other cases where school districts own the buses, they can generate revenue. In some cases, the revenue from power sales could be split.

Ram Ambatipudi, senior vice president of business development at EV Connect, which provides EV charging solutions, said the school bus model is one of the most promising in the area of using EV battery storage in a bidirectional nature. He said one of the biggest challenges is getting utilities to set a predetermined rate schedule that will allow for the arbitrage play across power markets, generating the revenue opportunity for the battery owners.

“There aren’t a lot of established rate schedules,” Ambatipudi said. In addition, a lot has to go right to make the model work and is still being tested. “It’s been more of a pilot level because that interplay has to happen between the vehicle charging station hardware, and software management of the station, and the backfeeding into grid and having the economic benefit paid out by the utility. “Those market developments have yet to come,” he said.

The idea is similar in some ways to how owners of rooftop solar systems have been able to feed power back onto the grid in some markets, but in recent years, there has been pushback against these “net metering” relationships, especially in California. With buses, though, there is one key difference: the buses are not in use during the most important times of the day for the grid to have more power, and the buses can recharge at off-peak demand hours. Many rooftop solar power owners were selling energy supply back onto the grid when it was less needed.

And the arbitrage economics make sense: bus owners charge the vehicles during the lowest-cost periods so they can allocate excess battery power to be sold back into the grid when it is at its highest economic value.

There are many applications to take stored power in EV batteries and use as a supply, such as Ford pitching its F-150 Lightning EV as a home backup power source for when the grid is down and saying that has shown a surprising level of consumer appeal. But the school bus model may be the most effective at the largest scale.

“The low-hanging fruit from what I’ve seen is the school bus model,” Ambatipudi said. It’s not just the cycle of dropping off kids during the morning and then remaining idle at a depot during the middle part of day, and then cycling again in the afternoon and early evening into idle state again. During summer months, the buses are largely idle. “Buses can be used as essentially arbitrage devices to charge when power is cheap and discharge when needed,” he said.

Pilot CEO Adam Wright on EV charging: We think demand is going to push through

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Here’s a look Nissan’s next-gen LEAF spotted testing in the US [Image]

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January 13, 2025

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Here's a look Nissan's next-gen LEAF spotted testing in the US [Image]

Nissan's-next-gen-LEAF-spotted

The iconic electric car is due for a revival. Nissan’s next-gen LEAF was officially spotted testing in the US, giving us our best look at the upcoming EV so far.

Nissan’s next-gen LEAF spotted in the US testing

After launching the LEAF in 2010 as the first mass-market EV, Nissan’s electric hatch won over many buyers with its low starting price and comfortable drive.

Fast forward 15 years and almost every automaker has an electric car. The LEAF is falling out of favor with new electric models with more range, faster charging, and advanced new technology.

Nissan is preparing to change that. The Nissan LEAF is due for a refresh, and from what we’ve seen so far, it will undergo a complete overhaul.

After ending production at its UK facility almost a year ago, Nissan is getting ready to launch a new wave of electric vehicles.

The first will be its next-gen LEAF. Nissan is shaking things up with the new model as it looks to revamp the LEAF for the modern age. Nissan said its Chill-out concept, revealed in 2021, gave us a preview of what to expect.

Nissan's-next-gen-LEAF
Nissan Chill-Out concept, a preview of the next-gen LEAF (Source: Nissan)

According to sources who have seen the new EV, Nissan’s next-gen LEAF will be more of a crossover coupe than a hatchback. One even described it as a “mini Ariya,” Nissan’s larger electric SUV. However, it’s still expected to be smaller and more sporty than the Qashqai and Juke models.

With its debut just around the corner, Nissan’s next-gen LEAF was recently spotted testing with Michigan plates on. The new image from KindelAuto reveals its new crossover-like design.

Nissan’s next-gen LEAF spotted in the US (Source: KindelAuto)

Despite the camouflage, you can see its design sways from the original LEAF with a sportier stance and smoother profile.

Nissan is expected to begin building the new LEAF at its UK plant as early as spring 2025. Check back for more info leading up to its debut.

What do you think of the LEAF’s new look? Will the compact electric car make a comeback as a crossover? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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Save $399 on NIU 40-mile KQi3 Max e-scooter at $600, Camplux portable shower low, Jackery on-the-go power stations, more

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January 13, 2025

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Save 9 on NIU 40-mile KQi3 Max e-scooter at 0, Camplux portable shower low, Jackery on-the-go power stations, more

We’re kicking off another week of Green Deals, with today’s offers following behind NIU’s latest sale that has dropped its 40-mile trekking KQi3 Max Electric Kick Scooter to $600, coming in $1 above its Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing, among other models. We also spotted Camplux’s Nano 3 Max Portable Water Heater and Shower falling to its $360 low, as well as Jackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station hitting $499, with other on-the-go backup power options as well. Lastly, we have a one-day discount on the budget-friendly Snow Joe 24V ION+ 13-inch Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Shovel for $159, but keep in mind that the deal only lasts until midnight. We also have all the other hangover Green Deals from last week in the links at the bottom of the page, collected together in our Electrified Weekly roundup from over the weekend.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Go the distance on NIU’s KQi3 Max electric kick scooter with a 40-mile travel range at $600

NIU is offering ongoing savings through January 23 across its KQi-series e-scooters for folks looking to add a new solution to commuting needs at affordable rates. With so many models dropping back to their lowest prices, one notable standout for those who want to go the distance is NIU’s KQi3 Max Electric Kick Scooter at $599.98 shipped. Normally running at a much steeper $999 full rate, we’ve seen discounts mainly taking this model down around $700 most sales, with Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales dropping things to the $599 low. It’s coming in during this sale at only $1 higher, giving you the second-lowest price we have seen to date while saving you nearly $400 in the process. You’ll also find this model matching in price over at Amazon.

One of the best e-scooters under NIU’s flag for folks in need of longer-range travel support, the KQi3 Max e-scooter can go the distance thanks to its 608.4Wh battery that carries riders up to 40 miles on a single charge. You’ll be cruising through your commute at up to a max of 23.6 MPH, after unlocking the speed in the app – with its 450W motor even able to peak in power enough to conquer up to 25% inclines, which beats out a majority of other competitors on the market.

The NIU KQi3 Max e-scooter has been given a triple braking system for ensured stopping power, with one of them being a regenerative brake that recycles energy for extended travels. Everything sits atop two self-healing tires for rides along questionable terrain (or even streets littered with glass, nails, and more), as well as a halo headlight, brake lighting, and smart controls via the app, which includes unlocking those higher speeds and even locking the scooter when you’re not riding.

Best NIU KQi-series e-scooter deals:

Check out the full lineup of NIU’s latest sale offers on the landing page here.

NIU KQi3 Max scooter

Shower anywhere with Camplux’s Nano 3 Max portable water heater with pet-friendly hoses at $360 low

Camplux’s official Amazon storefront is bringing costs back to their lowest rate on the brand’s latest Nano 3 Max Portable Water Heater and Shower for $359.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $80 off coupon. This new model released in November carrying a $440 price tag, which we saw drop for the first time to $360 during early Christmas sales. You’re getting a second chance here today at its lowest price to date, saving you $80 while equipping your out-of-home ventures with a reliable means to heat water and shower – with attachments for your pets too!

The Camplux Nano 3 Max is a perfect addition to travel kits – regardless of if you’re tackling the open road or settling down for weekend camping. The battery-powered unit uses a small propane tank (for the lowest emissions) to provide you with hot water in a matter of seconds, delivering up to 100 minutes of continuous use on one full 3-hour charge, so long as you keep its submersion pump in a water source. The shower function provides three adjustable spray modes, with a secondary pet shower hose included for your furry companions.

Right now, you can save a little extra money by going with the brand’s Nano 3 Pro counterpart, which is down at $339.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $60 off coupon. The main difference here is the battery lasts 10 minutes shorter and doesn’t include and pet-focused hoses like the above model, but it’s still an equally handy devices to have available on your travels.

For those looking to update their home’s showers, you can also land Camplux’s 18kW or 27kW electric tankless water heaters at their lowest prices right now starting from $240.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 power station

Score $300 in savings on Jackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 LiFePO4 power station for your 2025 trips at $499

Its direct New Year sale may be over, but Jackery is still offering some select ongoing deals through its official Amazon storefront, like the price cut we’re seeing on the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station that has kept costs down at $499 shipped. This unit would normally run you $799 on other days, with this discount repeating the same pricing we saw in the brand’s most recent New Year event, with it only beaten out by its $459 Black Friday rate and the $399 Cyber Monday low. You’ll save $300 here today at the third-lowest price we have tracked, giving you one of the brand’s latest releases at one of its best prices to date. There is a bundle option available that gives you the power station with a 200W solar panel for $749, down from $1,299.

Jackery’s newer Explorer 1000 v2 delivers some serious power output from a compact unit, with its upgraded 1,070Wh LiFePO4 capacity able to pump power out at up to 1,500W on the regular, with it surging up to 3,000W for those larger appliance needs. There’s a solid mix of seven port options to connect to/from – with three ACs, two USB-Cs, one USB-A, and a car port. Hooking it up to a wall outlet will refill the battery in 1.6 hours, with that time cut down to just one hour with the emergency charging features activated through the smart controls on the app. You can also take advantage of its 600W maximum solar input to get a full battery in three hours via the sun’s rays.

Other notable Jackery on-the-go power station deals:

Snow Joe 24V ION+ 13-inch snow shovel

Clear snow on a budget with Snow Joe’s 24V ION+ 13-inch cordless electric snow shovel bundle at $159 (Today only)

Coming through its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Snow Joe 24V iON+ 13-Inch Single Stage Cordless Electric Snow Shovel for $159 shipped through the rest of the day. Getting the additional ice dozer and cover with this tool would usually cost you $199, with Amazon’s only competitive offer right now being a used model without the extra gear for $139. You can get one for your home needs at the second-lowest price we have tracked to date – just $40 above the all-time low that we haven’t seen since December 2023.

The first thing you might consider with this snow shovel from Snow Joe is the fact that you’ll be saving plenty more space in your garage or shed over larger, more traditional snow blowers. This more compact tool makes a 13-inch wide path through the powder with a depth of six inches – and all without the noise/fumes from gas-guzzling counterparts or the need for any extension cords. Snow is cleared out via the 2-blade paddle auger and tossed up to 20 feet out of your walkways/driveways, with the battery even coming interchangeable with other Snow Joe and Sun Joe equipment you may already have.

Best New Year e-bike deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Environment

Edison says no electrical anomalies found before Eaton blaze as shares tumble as wildfires rage on

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2 hours ago

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January 13, 2025

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Edison says no electrical anomalies found before Eaton blaze as shares tumble as wildfires rage on

Edison International CEO: Do not see anamolies pointing to power lines being the cause of CA fires

Southern California Edison did not detect any electrical anomalies from its equipment in the hours before the outbreak of the Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles area, the CEO of the utility’s parent company said Monday.

Four transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area showed no signs of interruptions or anomalies in the 12 hours prior to the fire’s start time, the utility told the California Public Utilities Commission in an incident report.

Electrical anomalies are typically seen when equipment sparks, Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro told CNBC’s “Money Movers.”

“There may be some other mechanism here. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get up close to the lines yet,” Pizarro said. The CEO promised to be transparent with the public as the company continues its investigation.

Pizarro’s comments come as Edison International shares fell 11% and hit a fresh 52-week low intraday, as wildfires continue in Southern California. The Eaton Fire is the second-largest of the three ongoing blazes. It has killed at least 17 people, as it burned through more than 14,000 acres and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures since it began last Tuesday. The fire is currently 33% contained.

After the CEO’s appearance, Bloomberg reported that a lawsuit was filed against the company’s southern California subsidiary by a group of residents and business owners who allege the utility’s power lines sparked the fire. CNBC reached out to the company for comment.

Fire agencies are investigating whether Southern California Edison equipment played a role in the start of the smaller Hurst Fire, according to statement from the utility on Sunday. The Hurst blaze is 95% contained after burning through nearly 800 acres since last Tuesday.

Preliminary information indicates Edison equipment experienced an electrical anomaly one minute after the Hurst Fire reportedly started, according to the company. A downed powerline was also found at a tower. Pizarro said it’s unclear whether the damage happened before or after the fire started.

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