In a recent press release, Bechtel announced that it was selected by First Student, the largest provider of student transportation services in North America, to support its electrification efforts. Bechtel will start designing and building charging stations for one of First Student’s electrification projects in the U.S. The two companies intend to partner on more electric vehicle deployments in the future, with Bechtel providing engineering, procurement, and construction services.
“Bechtel provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure to fleet customers so they can focus on their core business, whether it is safely moving students or delivering packages,” said Catherine Hunt Ryan, president of Manufacturing & Technology business. “Vehicle fleet operators are instrumental in the electric vehicle transition. Bechtel will help First Student advance their electrification goals by being a one-stop partner through design and build.”
According to First Student, in addition to environmental benefits, electric school buses are more efficient and require less maintenance.
“First Student is leading the way in school bus electrification, and we look forward to working with Bechtel to drive more change,” said First Student Head of Electrification Kevin L. Matthews. “Thousands of our students are already benefiting from riding emissions-free school buses as part of our commitment to create a safer, cleaner, and quieter ride to school. First Student is on track to convert 30,000 of our buses to electric by 2035, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and positively impacting the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
Bechtel’s portfolio of sustainability projects includes electrifying transportation systems, expanding renewables, transitioning from coal to gas, improving energy efficiencies, decarbonizing existing infrastructure, deploying zero-emission nuclear energy, switching to zero-emission hydrogen fuel, and generating energy storage solutions.
This announcement coincides with a recent report published by Allied Market Research that found the global electric bus market was estimated at $35.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit $439.7 billion by 2031. For more information on that report, visit Allied Market Research's website.
Visit Bechtel's website for more information on their electrification efforts.
