GreenPower Motor Company Secures Major Order for School Buses in Western U.S.

GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a prominent provider of all-electric, zero-emission vehicles, recently announced a substantial order that signifies a shift toward greener transportation options for school districts across the Western United States. The company, which is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol GP, is known for its innovative approach to creating environmentally friendly vehicles tailored for various sectors, including education.

Details of the Order

The latest announcement involves three separate orders totaling 11 Type D all-electric BEAST school buses, set to be deployed by school districts in Arizona, California, and Oregon. As educational institutions increasingly prioritize the health of their students and the environment, they are moving away from diesel-fueled buses, notorious for their harmful emissions.

Paul Start, who is the Vice President of Sales for the School Bus Group at GreenPower, emphasized the significant trend of school districts prioritizing cleaner transportation solutions. He remarked, "As school districts continue to transition from NOx-emitting diesel school buses to more environmentally friendly alternatives, they are opting for industry gold standards like our BEAST and Nano BEAST." With 2025 nearing, excitement builds around the rising demand for these electric buses, as the company anticipates record sales in the year ahead that will surpass those in 2024.

This order comprises:
1. Seven BEAST buses for the Los Banos Unified School District in California, supplied by GreenPower's exclusive dealer, Model 1.
2. Two BEAST buses designated for the Casa Grande Elementary School District in Arizona, ordered through RWC Group, GreenPower's exclusive Arizona dealer.
3. Two BEAST buses for the Hood River County School District in Oregon, facilitated by Peterson Trucks, GreenPower's exclusive dealer in Oregon.

Innovative Design and Features

The BEAST is a marvel of modern engineering, featuring a purpose-built design that spans 40 feet in length and can accommodate up to 90 students. Constructed entirely as an electric vehicle from the ground up, it boasts a robust aluminum body, resistant to corrosion, which is expertly combined with a high-strength steel truss chassis. The flat floor design allows for flexibility in seating arrangements, eliminating wheel wells from the passenger area and enhancing safety by keeping students out of potential impact zones.

Charging the BEAST is efficient and streamlined, offering combined port charging capabilities with Level 2 rates that can reach up to 19.2 kW. For those in need of quicker recharging, it also supports DC Fast Charging rates up to 85 kW, allowing the bus to achieve full charges in under three hours.

The transition to all-electric school buses is not just a technological upgrade; it symbolizes a commitment from school districts to protect student health and embrace sustainable practices. These buses not only reduce harmful emissions but also contribute to creating a cleaner, greener future for upcoming generations.

The Bigger Picture

Founded in Vancouver, Canada, and now primarily operating in Southern California, GreenPower Motor Company has made significant strides in the electric vehicle market since going public in the U.S. in 2020. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of products, from high-floor and low-floor all-electric transit buses to shuttles and cargo vans.

As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for vehicles that align with sustainable practices. GreenPower is at the forefront of this movement, providing innovative solutions that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally responsible. This latest order for BEAST school buses marks a milestone for the company and serves as a promising step forward in the quest for cleaner transportation solutions for our educational institutions.

With the school bus market rapidly evolving, GreenPower is poised for growth, equipped to meet the changing needs of school districts keen on adopting electrified fleets. The anticipated record levels of production and sales in the upcoming year reflect the shifting landscape towards sustainability and innovation in public transportation systems.