GreenPower Motor Company Partners with New Mexico to Launch All-Electric School Bus Pilot Program

GreenPower's Groundbreaking All-Electric School Bus Program in New Mexico

In a significant leap toward sustainable transportation, GreenPower Motor Company Inc. has announced a partnership with the state of New Mexico to initiate a pilot program for all-electric school buses, backed by a contract exceeding $5 million. This innovative project marks a crucial step in the quest for zero-emission vehicles, focusing on revolutionizing the way students commute to school across the state.

Overview of the Pilot Program

The pilot program, functioning over a span of two academic years, aims to deploy six all-electric school buses provided by GreenPower. In the initial school year (2025-26), three Nano BEAST Access buses will be introduced, followed by three larger BEAST and Mega BEAST buses in the subsequent year (2026-27). These vehicles are designed specifically for the school environment, ensuring they not only meet the educational needs of today but also comply with stringent environmental standards.

Each school year, the buses will circulate throughout New Mexico, undertaking a series of five pilot rounds, with each round lasting six weeks. This extensive testing phase will allow GreenPower to install necessary charging systems and provide essential training for drivers, mechanics, and local first responders, ensuring a smooth operation.

Financial Aspects and Support

The collaboration is financially robust, with New Mexico committing over $5 million to facilitate the procurement of vehicles, charging infrastructure, and overall management of the pilot. Additionally, GreenPower has pledged to support the project from a dedicated location within the state.

School districts have been invited to voluntarily participate, and selections are currently underway by the state. Notably, the manufacturing of the first batch of Nano BEAST Access buses is almost complete, with a readiness target for deployment set for mid-September.

Significance of the Initiative

Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "The New Mexico pilot project provides an opportunity to expand the reach of GreenPower's zero-emission school bus product. It allows parents, children, and school districts to gauge the transition to all-electric school buses." This initiative builds on a successful pilot executed in West Virginia but focuses more on the evaluation of charging options and infrastructure necessary for electric vehicles.

Charging Infrastructure

The pilot will utilize a combination of Level 3 DC fast chargers and Level 2 slow chargers for the Nano BEAST Access buses. As the program progresses, there will be a detailed evaluation of charging efficiency and performance. Particularly insightful will be the second year's pilot involving the BEAST school buses, which will explore Level 3 DC fast charging capabilities, and incorporate a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) assessment using the Mega BEAST bus. The Mega BEAST, a 40-foot bus, boasts industry-leading performance, offering up to 300 miles on a single charge thanks to its impressive 387 kWh battery.

Collaboration with Highland Electric Fleets

GreenPower is working closely with Highland Electric Fleets to establish the necessary charging facilities for this pilot. Brian Buccella, Highland's Chief Commercial Officer, shared his enthusiasm for collaborating on this venture, noting that their previous experience in deploying electric school buses positions them well to make this initiative successful. "This project is an opportunity to substantially reduce transportation-related emissions in New Mexico,’’ he noted, underlining the potential health benefits for students within the community.

Conclusion

In summary, GreenPower's partnership with New Mexico represents a significant stride toward more sustainable school transportation. As this pilot program takes flight, it stands to not only modernize student commuting but to also serve as a model for other states aiming to implement eco-friendly solutions in their public transport systems. The results of this endeavor will be pivotal in shaping the future of electric school buses nationally, paving the way for cleaner, healthier commuting options for generations to come.