#United States #GreenPower #BEAST #South Charleston #Clean School Bus

GreenPower Expands Its Electric School Bus Deliveries in West Virginia

In a significant advancement for sustainable transportation, GreenPower Motor Company Inc. announced the delivery of three all-electric BEAST school buses to its dealer serving the Grant County School District in West Virginia. This delivery, made possible under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, marks a continued effort to transform the school bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles across the state.

Strengthening the Commitment to Clean Energy

With this latest delivery, GreenPower has now deployed a total of 22 electric school buses throughout West Virginia, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability. Brendan Riley, the President of GreenPower, emphasizes that despite ongoing challenges including evolving public policy and funding uncertainties, the company has consistently met its production and delivery timelines. “The delivery to our West Virginia dealer represents the second school district to benefit from EPA funding just four months after signing the contract,” he stated, highlighting the company’s ability to adapt and deliver efficiently even amidst external challenges.

The BEAST, a Type D all-electric bus, is purpose-built and designed specifically for pupil transportation. It can seat up to 90 students and meets the growing demand for zero-emission school transport solutions. Notably, each bus features a flat-floor design that provides easy accessibility for students, avoids wheel wells in the passenger compartment, and includes advanced safety features that keep students out of potential impact zones during transit.

A Breakthrough in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

What sets GreenPower apart in the industry is its unique ability to manufacture both Class 4 Type A and Class 8 Type D school buses, making it a leader in the American market for electric school buses. The company's technology incorporates a combination of a strong yet lightweight aluminum body and a sturdy high-strength steel chassis, all designed with efficiency and durability in mind.

Importantly, the BEAST buses come equipped for fast charging, offering Level 2 charging rates up to 19.2 kW, alongside DC Fast Charging capabilities that can fully charge the buses in less than three hours. This enables school districts to effectively manage their transportation schedules without lengthy downtimes for charging.

Future Deliveries and Expanding Infrastructure

GreenPower is also preparing for future deliveries, with Calhoun County’s school buses next in line under the Clean School Bus Program funding. As the only fully electric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of school buses in the U.S., the company has forged strong partnerships across various districts that have installed the necessary charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles.

The deployment of these buses not only supports local education systems but also significantly contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of school transportation. Riley noted, “Our mission is to ensure that our electric school buses are accessible to every student who relies on school transport, providing a cleaner, healthier option for their daily commute.”

GreenPower's commitment to innovation and sustainability sets a precedent in the industry, paving the way for a future where electric vehicles are the standard for school transportation across the nation. As these efforts continue to grow, it is clear that GreenPower is not just building buses; they are building a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

For further insights into GreenPower's offerings and operations, visit their official website.