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

New fleet includes bidirectional charging technology designed to explore additional benefits for the district, community, and electric grid

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jefferson County Public Schools, Xcel Energy, and Highland Electric Fleets will celebrate the launch of six new electric school buses and six bidirectional chargers today with a ribbon-cutting event at the district's transportation facility in Lakewood.

The six IC electric school buses will begin serving Jeffco students during the current school year, advancing the district's broader efforts to make student transportation more efficient, improve air quality around schools, and reduce emissions.

Xcel Energy provided $3.4 million in funding through its Electric School Bus (ESB) Program to support the school district's transition to electric transportation. Through the program, the company is supporting the launch of 38 electric school buses and 30 bidirectional charging systems statewide.

Highland is supporting the project through its Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, providing the electric buses, charging infrastructure and long-term services needed to operate the fleet.

"Our partnership with Highland Electric Fleets and Xcel Energy marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to modern, sustainable student transportation," said Jeff Gatlin, Chief Operating Officer at Jeffco Public Schools. "These new electric buses will deliver cleaner air for our students and schools while giving us a hands-on look at how innovative energy solutions can benefit our entire Lakewood community."

In addition to transporting students, the buses and charging infrastructure will serve as a demonstration of bidirectional charging technology. When connected and available, bidirectional-capable electric school buses have the potential to function as mobile energy assets, storing electricity in their batteries and returning it to the grid when needed.

The project will provide real-world insights into how this technology can be integrated with fleet operations and the electric grid.

"Electric school buses are creating new opportunities for schools to modernize their fleets while supporting Colorado's broader energy future," said Robert Kenney, president, Xcel Energy – Colorado. "Through our Electric School Bus Program, we're helping school districts like Jefferson County Public Schools invest in cleaner transportation today while gaining valuable experience with technologies that can strengthen and add flexibility to the grid in the years ahead."

"Electric school buses can deliver meaningful benefits for students and the communities they serve," said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer, Highland Electric Fleets. "Replacing just five diesel buses with electric school buses can reduce pediatric asthma risk for 1,500 students, while bidirectional technology creates the potential for those same buses to serve as mobile energy assets when they aren't on the road. We're proud to work with Jeffco and Xcel Energy to bring these buses to the community and demonstrate the value they can provide on and off the road." 

The new fleet will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at the district's transportation office, 809 Quail St. in Lakewood. Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to ride one of the district's new electric school buses.

About Jeffco Public Schools

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is a diverse and high-performing school district located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the state's second-largest school district, serving 75,000 students across 145 schools, and its 14,000 employees make it the largest employer in the county. The district's strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives, focuses on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service. Founded in 2019, Highland partners with school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators to make the transition to electric fleets simple and affordable. Highland proudly serves as the Official Electric School Bus Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. From pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology to managing some of the nation's largest electric school bus fleets, Highland delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that support local communities and drive the future of transportation. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.

Media Contact

Chris Orlando
Highland Electric Fleets
[email protected]

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SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets