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The New Mexico Economic Development Department and GreenPower Motor Company Inc. have launched a pilot program to introduce all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses to districts in Las Vegas and Santa Fe. The initiative aims to evaluate the performance and viability of electric vehicles in student transportation across the state.
Key Highlights
- Partnership: The State of New Mexico and GreenPower Motor Company are collaborating on an all-electric, zero-emission school bus pilot project.
- Locations: The initial deployments are at Las Vegas City Schools, West Las Vegas Schools, and Monte del Sol Charter School in Santa Fe.
- Duration & Funding: The two-year pilot program is supported by a $5 million state appropriation, with a potential for an additional $15 million.
- Phased Rollout: The project will deploy three Type A Nano BEAST buses in the first year, followed by Type D BEAST and Mega BEAST buses in the second year.
Project Details
This two-year pilot project represents a significant step in New Mexico’s commitment to the Energy Transition Act, which aims for a 100% zero-carbon electricity supply by 2045. GreenPower will deploy three of its Type A Nano BEAST school buses during the 2025-26 school year. In the second year, the program will expand to include two Type D BEAST school buses and one Mega BEAST model.
The school buses will rotate throughout the state in five six-week rounds each school year, allowing various districts to test the vehicles. GreenPower and its partners will provide charging infrastructure, driver and mechanic training, and telematic tracking to collect comprehensive data.
Brendan Riley, president of GreenPower, stated that the project will allow the state and school districts to see how all-electric vehicles perform in different conditions. Data on range, charging needs, handling, maintenance savings, and student acceptance will be collected and analyzed.
State and School Perspectives
State officials view the program as a move toward a more sustainable economy and an opportunity to educate students about alternative energy. “The steps we take today will not only promote a greener future but also inspire a new generation of environmental stewards,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black.
Participating school districts expressed enthusiasm for the pilot. “We have been looking at grant opportunities to begin migrating from diesel to all-electric school buses,” said Christopher Gutierrez, superintendent at West Las Vegas Schools. “Participating in this pilot project will allow us to determine the best ways to integrate zero-emission buses into our fleet.”
Dr. Zoe Nelson of Monte del Sol Charter School added, “Our school believes in safe, sustainable, and sensible alternatives, and I cannot wait to see the multitude of benefits this investment will yield.”
About the Nano BEAST
The GreenPower Nano BEAST is a Type A school bus with a 118 kWh battery pack, providing a range of up to 140 miles. It can carry up to 24 passengers and supports both Level 2 and DC Fast Charging. An accessible model, the Nano BEAST Access, accommodates up to 20 passengers and three wheelchair securements.
About GreenPower Motor Company Inc.
GreenPower Motor Company designs, builds, and distributes a full suite of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, and cargo vans. The company uses a clean-sheet design to manufacture purpose-built, zero-emission vehicles.
For more information, visit www.greenpowermotor.com.
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