All-electric school bus pilot gearing up in New Mexico

Executive Summary

• GreenPower Motor Company and the New Mexico Economic Development Department launched a two‑year all‑electric school bus pilot, deploying three Nano BEAST buses in 2025‑26 and additional Type D BEAST and Mega BEAST buses in 2026‑27.
• The State of New Mexico is providing an initial $5 million capital appropriation for vehicle purchases and pilot costs, with a commitment to fund up to $15 million for further deployments after successful pilot phases.
• The program will collect performance data (range, charging needs, operating savings, rider acceptance) and report results annually, supporting New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act goals toward 100 % zero‑carbon electricity by 2045.

Key Details

• Pilot Scope:
• Year 1 (2025‑26): 3 × Type A Nano BEAST buses deployed at Las Vegas City Schools, West Las Vegas Schools, and Monte del Sol Charter School.
• Year 2 (2026‑27): 2 × Type D BEAST buses + 1 × Mega BEAST bus added to the fleet.
• Funding:
• Initial state appropriation: $5 M for vehicle purchase and pilot execution.
• Conditional follow‑on funding: up to $15 M after two successful pilot phases.
• Deployment Schedule:
• Buses rotate among participating schools in five rounds per school year, each round lasting six weeks.
• Charging & Support Infrastructure:
• GreenPower will install charging systems via partnership with Highland Electric Fleets.
• Training for drivers, mechanics, and first responders provided.
• Telematics monitoring through Geotab; detailed annual performance reports to be submitted to the state.
• Data Collection Focus:
• Vehicle range, charging infrastructure requirements, handling/maneuverability, operating & maintenance cost savings, student/parent acceptance, etc.
• Vehicle 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 Charging up to 60 kW.
• Strategic Alignment:
• Supports New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act and the state’s goal of 100 % zero‑carbon electricity by 2045.
• Provides a platform for expanding electric fleets within the Department of Transportation and General Services Department.

Notable Quotes

• “GreenPower is pleased to begin this two‑year pilot project with the State of New Mexico…to evaluate all‑electric transportation options for school kids.” – 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

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All amounts in U.S. dollars.