Greenpower rolls out school bus pilot in New Mexico

Executive Summary

• Greenpower Motor Company Inc. and the New Mexico Economic Development Department launched a two‑year, $5 million state‑funded pilot deploying three all‑electric school buses in 2025‑2026 and additional buses in 2026‑2027.
• The pilot includes data collection on range, charging needs, operating costs and user acceptance, with the State committing up to an additional $15 million for future deployments if successful.
• Greenpower will provide vehicles, charging infrastructure (via Highland Electric Fleets), driver/mechanic training, telematics (Geotab) and annual performance reports.

Key Details

• State Funding: $5 million capital appropriation to purchase the initial three buses and cover pilot costs; potential additional $15 million after successful completion of two pilot phases.
• Vehicle Deployment – Year 1 (2025‑2026):
• 3 × Greenpower Type A Nano Beast school buses deployed at Las Vegas City Schools, West Las Vegas Schools, and Monte del Sol Charter School (Santa Fe).
• Vehicle Deployment – Year 2 (2026‑2027):
• 2 × Type D “Beast” school buses + 1 × Mega Beast bus added to the fleet.
• Pilot Structure: Five rounds per school year, each round lasting six weeks; buses will rotate among participating schools.
• Technical Specs – Nano Beast:
• 118 kWh battery pack, up to 140 mi range, capacity for 24 passengers.
• Dual‑port charging: Level 2 up to 19.2 kW, DC fast‑charge up to 60 kW.
• Charging & Support Partners: Highland Electric Fleets (charging system installation), Geotab (telematics and data collection).
• Data Collection Focus: Range, charging infrastructure requirements, handling/manoeuvrability, operating/maintenance cost savings, student and parent acceptance, etc.
• Reporting: Greenpower will deliver a detailed performance report to the State at the end of each school year.
• Future Expansion Commitment: Post‑pilot, the Economic Development Department (EDD) may allocate $15 million for additional buses and collaborate with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and General Services Department to expand zero‑emission commercial fleets.

Notable Quotes

• “Greenpower is pleased to begin this two‑year pilot project… to see how the all‑electric vehicle performs in differing conditions…” – Brendan Riley, President, Greenpower
• “The data will help with the idea of change as schools look to create a new beginning of a clean, healthy school day.” – Fraser Atkinson, CEO, Greenpower
• “As we transition towards a more flexible, diversified and environmentally sustainable economy, we are dedicated to achieving carbon‑free power.” – Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary, EDD