Vehicle-to-Grid Charging: Clean Rides and Clean Power

The transportation sector is responsible for close to 1/3 of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the state, and diesel-powered school buses are a big part of the problem, polluting our air and putting children – especially from low-income communities and communities of color – at higher risk of asthma and other serious health conditions. 

Electric school buses (ESB) offer a powerful solution. They can cut greenhouse gas emissions while delivering cleaner air for our kids. And with the addition of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, these buses can also strengthen our power grid.

Here’s how it works. V2G technology allows electric vehicle batteries to both draw energy from and send energy back to the grid. ESBs, with their large batteries and predictable schedules, are a perfect fit. When electricity demand spikes, the same batteries that are used to power the vehicle can be used to put energy back into the grid, helping to keep the lights on and avoid costly outages. They can also serve as backup power during emergencies, which can be critical, especially in rural districts. 

With V2G, we can get up to ten times more value out of existing batteries compared to traditional charging. By tapping into the collective storage of ESB batteries, V2G creates new space to capture and use more renewable energy—making sure every bit of clean power gets put to work.

V2G is part of a broader set of solutions known as vehicle-to-everything (V2X). That includes powering homes during outages (V2H), supporting commercial buildings (V2B), or even running appliances directly (V2L).  

In July, Governor  announced $3 Million in funding to integrate electric vehicles, including ESBs, into the grid.

“New York is leading the way in building a smarter, more sustainable energy future,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in innovative technologies that support EV charging and integration with the grid, we are strengthening our clean energy infrastructure to meet the demands of tomorrow. We are also improving grid resiliency while making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to drive electric.”?

As extreme weather events become more common and the demand for reliable, clean energy grows, V2G is poised to play an important role in ensuring the lights stay on. 

ESBs and V2G technology represent a win-win for our children, our communities, and our climate.

Lily Hirschson, an undergraduate intern at the New York League of Conservation Voters since June 2025, is a second-year student at Skidmore College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and International Affairs.