West Virginia is taking a significant step towards electrifying its school bus fleet. The state is set to acquire 41 GreenPower custom-built, battery-electric school buses for $15 million, including the Type D BEAST and Type A Nano BEAST models. As part of the order, GreenPower has received a $3 million deposit from the state to manufacture the buses in West Virginia.
The move follows the launch of GreenPower’s Nano Beast Type A electric school bus in March last year, with a 118 kW battery that powers the 24-seater, allowing for a range of up to 150 miles and a max power of 150 kW. The vehicle can charge the battery in just two hours on a 60 kW DC charger, or use an 11 kW charging station, which takes up to 11 hours.
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Meanwhile, the larger Type D BEAST electric school bus can seat up to 90 passengers, as well as the driver, and has a shorter range of 140 miles. The 194 kW battery powers a 350 kW drive system, which can reach a top speed of 68 mph. Charging can be done in 3.5 hours on a 60 kW DC charger, or 10.5 hours on a 19 kW AC charging connection.
GreenPower’s President and Director, Brendan Riley, said: “Since we first announced our intent to manufacture in West Virginia, we’ve made tremendous progress on our mission to be the leading manufacturer of purpose-built, all-electric school buses. The fact that our workers will be manufacturing the school buses being purchased by the state that their kids and grandkids will be riding to and from school on brings me great pride.”
The benefits of electric school buses are clear. Not only do they produce zero emissions, but they also provide cost savings in the long run. Diesel-powered school buses have been known to produce harmful emissions, negatively affecting both the environment and the health of students.
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By transitioning to electric buses, West Virginia is making a bold move to reduce its carbon footprint while also improving air quality for its residents. With GreenPower’s new electric school buses, the state will not only be investing in its future but also creating jobs and supporting the local economy. This is a positive step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for West Virginia and beyond.
