Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own. Pawan Kumar , a fleet electrification expert at Zūm Services , is changing how children in America commute to school. His goal goes beyond just switching out diesel buses for electric ones; it also involves redefining the function of school transportation in the larger context of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
His purpose is driven by a profound question: How to make the future greener for children, and who will bring about this transformation? Electric vehicles (EVs) often grab headlines for their luxury models and commercial fleets. Yet, Kumar’s work brings a different narrative — one focused on social equity and environmental purpose. “Electrifying school buses, especially in underserved communities, is about more than just reducing emissions,” Kumar explains.
“It’s about ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach everyone, not just those who can afford it.” This strategy has led to notable accomplishments. Kumar recently won more than $60 million in funds to electrify school buses in communities with limited resources.
This result was a financial triumph and showed his dexterity in handling challenging grant applications, regulatory landscapes, and stakeholder relationships. Kumar has also led the Oakland Unified School District in implementing vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, making it one of the largest districts in the nation to do so. With the employment of th.