GreenPower has launched the fourth round of its pilot project in West Virginia to demonstrate the capabilities of all-electric school buses. The pilot project will be implemented in Mineral, Lewis, Harrison, and Upshur County school districts.
As part of the project, GreenPower will deploy three all-electric Type D BEAST school buses in Mineral, Lewis, and Harrison school districts. Upshur County, on the other hand, will deploy the award-winning Type A Nano BEAST, which has demonstrated its capabilities in colder weather conditions and mountainous terrain.
The pilot project will evaluate the performance of the buses on rural roads, in mountainous conditions, and in cooler temperatures. It will also assess the charging options by including systems provided by S&B USA eMobility and Francis Energy in Lewis and Upshur counties.
See also: GreenPower Launches Third Round of All-Electric School Bus Pilot in West Virginia
The charging infrastructure utilizes a state-of-the-art Level 2 charger that far exceeds the necessary charging rates for successful operations. The chargers come with an industry-changing operations management software that allows fleet operators to remotely inspect, troubleshoot, reset, and track both their chargers and vehicles to ensure operational excellence and eliminate unnecessary downtime.
GreenPower CEO and Chairman, Fraser Atkinson, said, “We’re committed to continue bringing healthier transportation alternatives to the children and communities of West Virginia to help reshape how students travel to and from school.”
The data collected from the previous rounds of the pilot program prove that an electric bus is just as capable as an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) bus on the same roads and in the same conditions. Kanawha County Public Schools recently purchased a GreenPower bus following their participation in the first round of the pilot program.
See also: GreenPower announced of Nano Beast electric school bus
GreenPower will continue to support school districts transitioning to all-electric buses through installing the proper charging infrastructure and providing the necessary training for each county’s first responders, mechanics, and school bus drivers.
As the world moves towards greener transportation alternatives, GreenPower’s pilot project serves as a testament to the capabilities of all-electric buses in rural and mountainous regions. The success of the project will help reshape how students travel to and from school, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
