RECHARGE-OK Team Celebrates Progress and Plans Next Steps for Electric School Buses

The RECHARGE-OK team gathered Oct. 20 at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Oklahoma City to celebrate the first year of its National Science Foundation CIVIC Stage 2 project and discuss priorities for the year ahead. The electric go-karts offered a fitting setting for a project focused on electric school buses.

The celebration and planning meeting brought together collaborators from the college, school districts, utilities, industry and community organizations. Participants watched project highlight videos and reflected on accomplishments and lessons from the first year.

Discussion turned to ways to advance electric school bus integration and community energy resilience. The Year 2 technical plan included exploring vehicle-to-load (V2L) applications, technical needs, and solar charging options. Partners also discussed community outreach, including a focus group and summer camp, along with potential funding and in-kind support.

Led by Dr. Hongwan Li, a faculty member in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, the $1 million project connects academic researchers, Shawnee Public Schools, utility and industry partners, and community organizations to explore how electric school buses can support local energy needs and resilience. The project’s work reflects the department’s commitment to research that connects environmental health, technology and community priorities.

Watch the RECHARGE-OK project video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MACcMlNMmFs