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GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a prominent manufacturer of all-electric, zero-emission vehicles, has signed a $5 million contract with New Mexico to launch an innovative all-electric school bus pilot program. This initiative, resulting from a competitive state RFP, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of electric school buses across various districts, promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
Key Highlights
- Contract Value: Over $5 million for vehicles, charging infrastructure, and pilot management.
- Pilot Duration: Two-year program spanning the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
- Vehicles Deployed: Three Nano BEAST Access buses in year one; three BEAST and Mega BEAST buses in year two.
- Charging Infrastructure: Includes Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast chargers, with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) evaluation.
- Community Support: Driver and mechanic training, plus first responder coordination.
- Partner Collaboration: Highland Electric Fleets to support charging infrastructure implementation.
The pilot program will deploy three GreenPower Type A Nano BEAST Access school buses in the first year, starting September 15, 2025. These buses, designed for accessibility and zero-emission performance, are nearly ready for deployment. In the second year, the program will introduce three Type D BEAST and Mega BEAST buses, known for their robust range and advanced features. Each school year, buses will rotate through five six-week pilot rounds across selected New Mexico school districts, allowing diverse communities to experience electric bus operations firsthand.
GreenPower will oversee the installation of charging systems, including Level 2 slow chargers and Level 3 DC fast chargers, to support the Nano BEAST buses in year one. The second year will focus on evaluating Level 3 DC fast charging and V2G capabilities with the Mega BEAST, which boasts a 387 kWh battery pack and a class-leading 300-mile range. This feature positions the Mega BEAST as a leader in grid resiliency and cost-effective energy management, supporting community sustainability.
The program draws inspiration from GreenPower’s successful West Virginia pilot but emphasizes charging infrastructure evaluation, a critical factor in transitioning to electric fleets. Mark Roper, Director of the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Economic Development Division, highlighted the importance of assessing range, charging rates, and grid resiliency to ensure a smooth shift to zero-emission vehicles.
GreenPower has partnered with Highland Electric Fleets to manage the charging infrastructure, leveraging Highland’s expertise in large-scale electric bus operations. Brian Buccella, Highland’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the pilot’s potential to reduce emissions, enhance student health, and modernize school transportation in New Mexico.
GreenPower’s President Brendan Riley noted that the pilot offers a unique opportunity to showcase the company’s zero-emission school buses while enabling school districts, parents, and students to evaluate their benefits. The initiative aligns with New Mexico’s commitment to sustainable transportation and positions GreenPower as a leader in the electric vehicle sector.
By establishing a dedicated support location in New Mexico, GreenPower ensures seamless project execution, from vehicle deployment to community training. The pilot program not only advances the adoption of electric school buses but also sets a precedent for scalable, eco-friendly transportation solutions nationwide.
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