GreenPower Motor Company is rolling out the first electric school buses in West Virginia, where the company's new factory is located.
Four Type A Nano BEAST school buses will roll out of GreenPower’s Kanawha County factory (BEAST stands for battery electric automotive school transportation). This week, the electric school buses will be delivered to Cabell County, Clay County, Kanawha County and Monongalia County school districts in West Virginia.
The Type A Nano BEAST features a 150 kW max electric motor and LiFePo4 battery . According to GreenPower, this vehicle is the only purpose-built electric school bus on the market. It can accommodate up to 24 students and has a range of up to 150 miles. It is also suitable for children with mobility problems and has an option for wheelchair insurance.
See also: Toyota: Adds manual transmission simulation to electric cars
GreenPower moved into the facility in August 2022 and has been preparing for the production of both the Type A Nano BEAST and Type D BEAST electric school buses . The Nano BEAST is already in production and has been in testing since June. BEAST production will begin in the first quarter of 2024.
GreenPower CEO Fraser Atkinsonsaid, “The state has played a critical role in getting the (electric school bus) rolling out today. From securing the manufacturing facility to purchasing $15 million worth of GreenPower school buses, West Virginia has been the kind of partner that helps a company achieve its production and startup financial goals.”
The company aims to have 200 employees at the school building plant by the end of 2024 and wants to create up to 900 new jobs there.
See also: Tesla Cybertruck review: Learn everything about the electric vehicle
Advantages of electric school buses
One of the main benefits of switching to electric school buses is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions . Electric buses operate with zero exhaust emissions, making them much more environmentally friendly than traditional fuel-powered buses. This helps reduce air pollution and protect the health of children and residents of the areas where the school buses operate.
Another benefit of switching to electric school buses (e.g. GreenPower) is the reduction in noise. Electric buses operate with a very low noise level compared to traditional buses. This contributes to improving the quality of life of children and residents of the areas.
See also: Tesla Cybertruck for Kids: The popular electric vehicle now for children
Switching to electric school buses also has financial benefits. Although the initial investment to purchase electric buses may be higher than traditional buses, operating costs are typically lower.
Finally, the transition to electric school buses promotes technological innovation. The development and use of electric vehicles encourages research and development of new technologies related to the storage and use of electrical energy. This can lead to further innovations and improvements in technology , positively affecting the development of the transport sector.
Source: electrek.co
