#USA #Xcel Energy #Aurora #Highland Electric #Cherry Creek School

Cherry Creek School District Partners with Highland Electric Fleets and Xcel Energy

On June 4, 2026, the Cherry Creek School District in Aurora, Colorado, will celebrate the groundbreaking of its new electric school bus depot. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing student transportation in collaboration with Highland Electric Fleets, a leader in Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS), and Xcel Energy, a major utility provider.

A Focused Approach to Sustainable Transportation

The partnership will see Highland Electric Fleets supply the District with six bidirectional-capable Type C IC electric school buses, alongside six 60kW bidirectional chargers. This groundbreaking approach allows the electricity stored in the bus batteries to flow back into the grid during peak energy demand periods, ensuring optimal energy management.

With a funding boost from Xcel Energy's electric school bus rebate program, which contributes $2.4 million, the District is set to make substantial strides in sustainability while significantly reducing long-term operational costs. Dr. Jennifer Perry, the Interim Superintendent, emphasized the school's commitment to environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency through this initiative.

Financial and Environmental Benefits

The projected lease rate for each bus is approximately $20,000 per year. Remarkably, the total cost of ownership for these electric buses over a 12-year period is considerably lower than traditional diesel buses when factoring in fuel and maintenance costs. This initiative also includes necessary charging infrastructure and ongoing operational support, effectively relieving the District of upfront costs associated with these improvements.

Electric school buses promise to provide quieter rides—up to four times quieter than their diesel counterparts--creating a more conducive environment for both students and drivers. Additionally, these electric vehicles have 97% fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance requirements and reducing dependence on volatile diesel fuel costs.

Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer at Highland Electric Fleets, stated, "Transitioning school buses to electric technology significantly benefits communities. This partnership not only modernizes student transportation but demonstrates how innovative technologies like bidirectional charging can enhance grid resiliency."

Groundbreaking Ceremony Details

The Electric School Bus Depot Groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. on June 4 at 16500 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, Colorado. It represents a landmark moment in the District’s goals to modernize its fleet and serve the community better while being environmentally conscious.

About Cherry Creek School District

The Cherry Creek School District serves over 53,000 students and is recognized as the largest employer in Arapahoe County. With a commitment to instilling core values such as Growth Mindset and Equity, the District has dedicated more than 75 years to excellence in educational initiatives. Their mission is to inspire each student to think, learn, and achieve while fostering a culture of care.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Since its inception in 2019, Highland Electric Fleets has been at the forefront of promoting electrification in transportation. They collaborate with various organizations to facilitate the transition to electric fleets seamlessly and affordably. Highland is also the official electric school bus provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the Cherry Creek School District, Highland Electric Fleets, and Xcel Energy represents a significant advancement in sustainable transportation, considerably benefiting students, the community, and the environment.