GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a prominent manufacturer of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles, has launched the Mega BEAST — a revamped version of its all-electric Type D school bus. The Mega BEAST boasts twice the range while retaining the same functionality as the original BEAST model, currently utilized in school bus fleets nationwide.
Why It Matters
The transition to electric school buses is a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a cleaner, safer environment for students. GreenPower’s advancements in electric bus technology not only promote sustainability but also address the need for longer-range capabilities in the school bus sector, making it a potential choice for school districts looking to adopt electric buses.
Key Points
- The Mega BEAST is a 40-foot, all-electric, zero-emission Type D school bus.
- It offers a leading range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, facilitated by a 387 kWh battery pack, marking the longest range and the largest battery pack in the industry.
- The bus has a seating capacity of up to 90 passengers and features like air ride suspension, ABS disk brakes, and significant pass-through storage.
- Its modern monocoque chassis, combined with an aluminum body and chassis design, gives rise to the GreenPower Truss(T) factor, ensuring robustness and safety.
- The Mega BEAST was showcased at the National Association of Pupil Transportation’s (NAPT) Conference and Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio.
Bottom Line
GreenPower continues to set the bar high in the electric school bus market with the introduction of the Mega BEAST. The extended range and larger battery size, optimized not just for transportation but also for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications, highlight GreenPower’s commitment to creating innovative and sustainable solutions. This launch represents a significant step in assisting more school districts to transition from diesel buses to electric alternatives, ensuring a healthier ride for students. Production for the Mega BEAST is slated to commence in 2024 at GreenPower’s facilities in both California and South Charleston, West Virginia.
