Electric bus maker GreenPower Motor has signed a contract with the state of New Mexico to launch a two‑year school bus pilot program starting this September. The project will test electric bus operations on various routes while assessing charging needs and grid readiness across the state.
GreenPower will deploy three Type A all‑electric Nano BEAST Access school buses in the first year, followed by three larger Type D BEAST and Mega BEAST buses in the 2026‑2027 school year. The $5 million agreement covers vehicle procurement, charging stations, and overall program management. The buses will rotate to different districts through five six‑week pilot rounds each school year.
“The New Mexico pilot project provides an opportunity to expand the reach of GreenPower’s zero‑emission school bus product and gives parents, kids and school districts in the state the opportunity to evaluate the transition to all‑electric, purpose‑built school buses,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. He added that the initiative builds on the company’s previous pilot in West Virginia while focusing more on charging options and infrastructure.
Mark Roper, Director of the Economic Development Division within the New Mexico Economic Development Department, said the state is particularly interested in assessing charging capabilities, including range, charging rates and grid resiliency. Level 2 AC chargers will be installed for the Nano BEAST buses during the first year, while Level 3 DC fast chargers and vehicle‑to‑grid functions will be added in the second year.