Schaumburg Launches First Electric Paratransit Fleet with Polara's Turnkey Charging Infrastructure
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - On October 1st, the Township of Schaumburg welcomed community members to celebrate the launch of its new electric paratransit buses. Organized in partnership with Polara, the company behind the design and commissioning of the charging infrastructure powering these vehicles, the event also brought together local elected officials and partners including bus manufacturer Micro Bird, bus dealer Central States Bus Sales, energy provider ComEd, and the Québec Government Office in Chicago.
This marks the first public transit electrification initiative for the Township, as well as Polara's first turnkey project in Illinois. The installation includes five 60 kW dual-connector fast chargers along with a CHRGPK unit to manage energy distribution. Today, this infrastructure is supporting four electric buses already in operation on Schaumburg Township's roads. Cleo, Polara's smart charging management platform, is integrated on each charger, enabling remote system monitoring and energy optimization.
For Polara, this milestone reinforces the company's commitment to delivering charging solutions that combine performance, reliability, and impact. With projects like Schaumburg's, Polara continues to help communities accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
A unique and inspiring project
The impact of this electrification initiative goes far beyond environmental and energy benefits. By introducing electric paratransit service for its residents, the Township of Schaumburg has not only achieved a technical milestone, but it has also shown true leadership. This project sends a clear message: the future of mobility must consider community health without sacrificing accessibility and inclusion.
Made possible through collaboration between the Township, Polara, and key partners, this project stands as proof that collective efforts can drive meaningful progress, setting the stage for what's to come across Illinois and beyond.
Quote from Polara
"Polara is proud to have contributed its expertise in transportation electrification to help the Township of Schaumburg provide an essential service to its citizens in a responsible, sustainable, and innovative way. This project carries special meaning for us because of its strong social impact."
- Sébastien Fournier, President of Polara
Quote from the Township of Schaumburg
"Schaumburg Township is trailblazing a path for other local governments in Illinois to begin adding electric paratransit buses to their public transportation fleets, said Supervisor Tim Heneghan. "Through thoughtful fiscal planning, inter-governmental cooperation and working with EV experts, the Township of Schaumburg is able to keep older adults and people with disabilities independent while lessoning our environmental impact."
Quote from Micro Bird
Micro Bird is proud to see our electric buses in operation with the Township of Schaumburg's new paratransit fleet. This project reflects exactly what we stand for: combining quality, innovation, and accessibility to deliver mobility solutions that serve communities. We're excited to partner with the Township, Central States Bus Sales, and Polara to make sustainable transportation a reality in Illinois."
- Éric Boulé, CEO Micro Bird
About Polara
Polara, a Girardin Group company, specializes in infrastructure and software for electric vehicle fleets. It partners with fleet managers throughout their electrification journey, from infrastructure design to dynamic day-to-day charging management. As an electrification expert, Polara provides tailored, innovative, and high-performance charging solutions that help clients optimize their energy transition while offering monetization opportunities. Its flagship products are the modular charging infrastructure CHRGPK, Cleo's smart charging management platform and the PRKOUT, a home charging solution.
About the Township of Schaumburg
The Township of Schaumburg provides social services to over 140,000 residents in the villages of Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Streamwood, Illinois, United States of America. The Township offers senior, disability and welfare services; local transportation for seniors and people with disabilities; a donation-supported food pantry; unincorporated Township road maintenance; passport and notary public services; property and tax assessment assistance; Deaf services; as well as general information and referral services. In addition, the Township partners to provide veterans services, youth and family services and nursing consultations and more.
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SOURCE Polara