Highland Electric Fleets Achieves Recognition as Clean Technology Transportation Company of the Year

Highland Electric Fleets Wins Prestigious Award

Highland Electric Fleets, a front-runner in the electrification of school bus services, has recently garnered recognition as the "Clean Technology Transportation Company of the Year" at the CleanTech Breakthrough Awards. This esteemed accolade highlights the innovative contributions made by Highland in promoting cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions in the school sector.

Understanding Highland Electric Fleets

Founded in 2019, Highland Electric Fleets has set a mission to facilitate the transition to electric school buses, making them accessible and affordable for educational institutions. The company positions itself as a comprehensive provider, offering robust end-to-end support that spans from planning and funding to procuring vehicles and establishing charging infrastructures.

Highland’s approach is designed to simplify the electrification process, ensuring that fleet operators can effortlessly maneuver through the transition while reaping the benefits of electric technology. The firm firmly believes that electrification is not just an operational change but a commitment to fostering healthier environments for students and communities.

The Environmental and Educational Impact

The shift to electric school buses is proving to have profound impacts both environmentally and educationally. Traditional diesel-powered buses emit harmful pollutants which contribute to poor air quality around schools. By converting to electric fleets, districts can achieve zero tailpipe emissions, resulting in cleaner air for students and reducing exposure to harmful substances by 16%, according to studies.

Moreover, the adoption of electric buses has shown to correlate with lower absenteeism rates among students by about 8%. The focus and engagement of children attending schools that utilize electric transport are reportedly enhanced due to reduced exposure to emissions—impacting cognitive function positively.

The quiet operation of electric school buses further amplifies the benefits, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially for neurodivergent students who may find loud, vibrating traditional buses overwhelming. Highland Electric Fleets thus ensures an inclusive and supportive transit experience designed for all students.

Innovative Energy Solutions and Sustainability

In addition to promoting cleaner air, Highland Electric Fleets is at the forefront of innovative energy solutions. The company employs vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, turning school buses into mobile power units. This technology enables buses to return energy to the grid during peak demand, subsequently stabilizing energy costs.

Furthermore, electric buses with V2G capabilities can act as emergency power sources for facilities during outages, enhancing overall community resilience. This win-win situation showcases how Highland contributes not only to transportation mobility but also to energy sustainability and community support.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, expressed gratitude upon receiving the CleanTech Breakthrough Award, stating, "We are honored to receive this recognition from CleanTech Breakthrough and proud to partner with school districts and cities across the country who are committed to providing cleaner, healthier rides for students and local communities." This acknowledgment underscores the trust and leadership demonstrated by Highland’s partners in investing in advanced technologies aimed at reducing operating costs and environmental impacts.

As the CleanTech Breakthrough Awards strive to spotlight innovators transforming the climate and clean technology landscape, Highland has made its mark effectively. The organization received thousands of nominations from over 14 countries, reflecting the global impact and advancements in clean technologies.

Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of CleanTech Breakthrough, highlighted the necessity of specialized knowledge for public agencies transitioning to electric vehicles: "Highland is bringing cleaner, healthier transportation to communities as well as helping to stabilize the grid."

With the trend toward electrification continuing to gather momentum, Highland Electric Fleets remains committed to innovating solutions that not only enhance the educational environment but also pioneer a sustainable future for transportation.

For more information about Highland Electric Fleets, visit www.highlandfleets.com