Highland Electric Fleets Secured Funding for School Buses
The Massachusetts-based company is expanding electric school bus infrastructure across 100 U.S. cities.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Founded in 2018, Highland Electric Fleets currently manages infrastructure for school bus fleets in over 100 cities nationwide. The company recently secured a $150 million equity investment to support its growth in the electric transportation sector.
Why it matters
The company aims to replace diesel-burning school buses with electric alternatives to reduce the health risks associated with exhaust fumes for students. By managing the upfront capital and infrastructure, they seek to keep fleet costs at or below the price of traditional diesel operations.
The firm generates $45 million to $50 million in annual revenue and recently secured $150 million in equity from Aiga Capital Partners. It also holds approximately $200 million in construction debt and tax-advantaged financing to support its operations.
The players
Duncan McIntyre
The founder of Highland Electric Fleets who established the company to address the health risks of diesel fumes in school transportation.
Highland Electric Fleets
A Massachusetts-based firm that develops, finances, and operates electric infrastructure for school bus fleets.
Aiga Capital Partners
An investment firm that provided a $150 million equity injection to the company in December 2025.
The details
Highland Electric Fleets bundles capital, technology, and service management to facilitate the transition to electric school buses. The process involves handling vehicle manufacturing, staff training, and the construction of electrified depots, with a typical implementation time of six months. The infrastructure is designed for a 25 to 30-year operating lifespan, with fleet costs often tracking 10% to 20% below those of comparable diesel-burning fleets.
Timeline
2018: Duncan McIntyre founded the company in Massachusetts.
December 2025: Aiga Capital Partners provided a $150 million equity investment.
Next 12 months: Highland Electric aims to reach 200 cities.
2027: The company projects its annual revenue will double.
2028: Highland Electric will serve as a sponsor for the Olympics.
The Home Front
This growth tracks with the national trend of local school districts moving away from diesel-burning fleets toward electric infrastructure. Such shifts are designed to lower municipal operating expenses while meeting long-term environmental and public health standards for the community.
Families interested in local air quality should check if their school district is evaluating fleet electrification or participating in state-sponsored infrastructure grants. Contacting local school board representatives can provide information on whether your district has transitioned or is planning to move to electric bus models.
The takeaway
The move to electric school buses is gaining momentum as providers seek to lower total fleet costs while reducing student exposure to diesel emissions. Parents can monitor their school district's progress toward electrification by attending budget meetings where equipment upgrades are discussed.
Further reading
For more on the shift toward sustainable transportation, see our coverage of Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Entrepreneur.
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Should your local school district prioritize transitioning its bus fleet to electric vehicles?
