Trans Tech eTrans goes on N.Y. tour
The manufacturer's all-electric bus makes a stop at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on Thursday for a government VIP and media ride-along. Officials say the bus, which features an electric chassis from Smith Electric Vehicles, has a trip range of approximately 120 to 130 miles per charge and produces zero emissions.
Trans Tech Bus’ eTrans all-electric school bus is making a stop during its upstate New York tour at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday.
The stop is for a government VIP and media ride-along, according to Trans Tech President Dan Daniels.
“We are excited about the Albany debut of our eTrans all-electric school bus,” Daniels said. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the future of pupil transportation. We are proud of the fact that we are building the eTrans in New York state; we feel New York can still be a place where innovative companies can set the standard for the world.”
Trans Tech Bus is building its eTrans all-electric school bus at its manufacturing facility in Warwick using an electric chassis from Smith Electric Vehicles.
The eTrans has Trans Tech Bus’ distinctive aerodynamic design and is able to carry up to 52 passengers. It runs on a 120kw induction motor, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 60 mph.
The school bus reportedly has a trip range of approximately 120 to 130 miles per charge from its two lithium-ion batteries, depending on load and driving conditions. The recharging system allows the school bus to recharge almost anywhere, taking approximately six to eight hours to fully charge, according to the company.
The eTrans produces zero emissions; it is also completely customizable and can be equipped with lifts for special-needs students, optional auxiliary power units for air conditioning and heating, and all the things school districts and contractors are accustomed to ordering, company officials said.
Trans Tech Bus recently sold its first eTrans to Kings Canyon Unified School District in California.
"The market has been calling for an all-electric school bus for years, and now Trans Tech Bus, in conjunction with our partners at Smith Electric Vehicles, have made it a reality,” Daniels said. “We are looking forward to showcasing the eTrans in Albany. This Thursday’s ride-along is just another step toward an even greener pupil transportation system.”
More Alternative Fuels

Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Power Up Beyond the Bus
See how districts are pairing electric buses with charging, solar, and V2G technology to cut costs, boost resilience, and unlock new fleet value.
Read More →
What the EPA’s Updated Clean School Bus Program Means for Fleet Electrification in 2026 and Beyond
A guide to the EPA’s evolving school bus grants, including how the Trump administration changed funding priorities and how school districts can prepare for future bus purchases.
Read More →A Solution Helping School Buses Charge Without Major Infrastructure Upgrades
Power Innovations International dishes on its EV charging technology designed to reduce infrastructure barriers, improve reliability, and support V2G applications for school bus fleets.
Read More →
New Eagle Launches All-in-One EV Control Platform
The new OpenECU NX3 platform integrates charging and vehicle controls into a single platform, with support for megawatt charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies.
Read More →
GreenPower Unveils New Heating Solution for Type A Bus
The all-electric bus manufacturer's new product aims to eliminate cold-cabin issues on its Nano BEAST zero-emission school buses operating in cold climates.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Plug In for the Long Haul
School districts across the U.S. are moving electric school bus plans into operation, with new fleet deployments, charging infrastructure, and long-term electrification partnerships taking shape.
Read More →The Achilles Heel of School Bus Electrification: BetterFleet’s Take
BetterFleet’s managing partner discusses AI-powered EV fleet management, vehicle-to-grid challenges, and the real challenges in bus electrification today, from ACT Expo.
Read More →
You're On Your Own to Pick a Drivetrain [Op-Ed]
After years of federal pressure toward electric school buses, districts are suddenly being told to choose their own path. Let’s explore the risks, realities, and politics behind school bus drivetrain decisions.
Read More →Wattson: Thomas Built’s Largest EV School Bus Yet
Check in with Mark Childers on the new Wattson Type D electric school bus, featuring faster charging, expanded passenger capacity, and advanced safety technology.
Read More →The New Era of Electric School Buses: V2G, Bidirectional Chargers & More
The Mobility House discusses AI-powered charging, vehicle-to-grid technology, smart energy management, and the next phase of school bus electrification.
Read More →
