First Student Wins 2025 Edison Award for First Charge Solution

First Student, a leading student transportation provider, has been honored with a 2025 Edison Award for their innovative First Charge solution. This modular, above-ground charging infrastructure is designed to address operational challenges for electric school buses and medium- to heavy-duty vehicles. The award recognizes First Student’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that empower customers to transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation.

Addressing Operational Challenges

First Student developed First Charge to overcome operational challenges in electrification, such as leasing many locations and the time-intensive, cost-prohibitive nature of trenching, digging, and boring. With operations in over 500 locations, there was a need for a modular solution that allows districts to start small and scale as confidence grows. This patent-pending solution is now available to all school districts and other medium- to heavy-duty fleet operators on a subscription basis.

Driving Electrification at Scale

As the first V2X (vehicle-to-everything) charging solution, First Charge is enabling fleet electrification across the industry. With 450 electric school buses already deployed and 2,022 EVs awarded to date, First Student is driving electrification at scale. First Charge eliminates key barriers to EV adoption by reducing construction costs by up to 30% and significantly accelerating deployment timelines, allowing school districts and fleet operators to transition to electric vehicles more efficiently.

Celebrating Innovation and Excellence

The Edison Awards™ is one of the most prestigious awards celebrating innovation and excellence in products, services, and leadership that drive meaningful change. Finalists represent leaders whose work is shaping a better, more sustainable future. First Student’s recognition by the Edison Awards highlights their dedication to providing innovative solutions that enhance safety, protect children’s health, and secure a sustainable future through electrification.

About First Student

First Student is the leading provider of K-12 transportation solutions, ensuring the safest and most reliable ride to school for 5.5 million students in communities across North America. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student delivers essential services, including home-to-school transportation, special needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, maintenance, and charter services. By creating a positive, welcoming environment for students on each of its 45,000 buses, First Student helps ensure every child arrives at school ready to achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, First Student’s First Charge solution represents a significant advancement in clean transportation energy. By addressing operational challenges and driving electrification at scale, First Student is leading the way in providing innovative solutions for a cleaner, more efficient future. Join First Student in their commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and be a part of shaping a better, more sustainable future.