GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of zero-emission, electric-powered, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, today announced the deployment of the first purpose-built Type A, all-electric, zero-emission, ADA-compliant school bus in West Virginia's Clay County.

"Clay County Schools is excited to be the first school district to utilize GreenPower's all-electric Nano BEAST school bus with ADA capabilities," said Joe Paxton, superintendent of Clay County Schools. "We are constantly searching for new technologies to improve our district and experience for our students. We look forward to being a part of this project and the multitude of benefits of an all-electric fleet to come."

"GreenPower, along with its partner Constellium, has developed a full monocoque structure that utilizes the proven GreenPower purpose-built EV Star platform," said GreenPower President Brendan Riley.  "The passenger compartment features a flat floor to ensure excellent accessibility for wheelchairs and ensure that there are no seats with compromised foot and legroom."

Riley also noted the Nano BEAST all-aluminum body is stronger than bodies used for other Type A school buses on the market and the GreenPower design has a higher passenger floor that keeps students out of the typical crash zone.

The Nano BEAST standard battery pack provides a range of up to 150 miles. Its dual port charging is a standard, with Level 2 rates up to 19.2 kW and DC fast-charging rates up to 61 kW. Wireless charging also is available as an option.

Configured for up to 18 passengers with one wheelchair position and 14 passengers with two wheelchair positions, the Nano BEAST features the BraunAbility wheelchair lift and the Q'Straint wheelchair securement system.

The clean-sheet design approach of the Nano BEAST facilitates optimal battery pack placement and weight distribution, allowing the vehicle to accommodate a larger energy supply, deliver a longer range, and set the new standard for zero-emissions student transportation. It is purpose-built on GreenPower's flagship EV Star platform, which has had more than 300 deliveries across North America with proven efficiency and reliability in a wide variety of operational settings including paratransit, airport shuttling, micro transit, cargo delivery, and vanpool.

"The EV Star platform and advanced body sets the Nano BEAST apart from its competition," Riley concluded, adding that the EV Star passed the Altoona Bus Testing program with one of the highest scores ever recorded for any vehicle type tested to date.

This news comes just days after GreenPower announced the second phase of its pilot project with the state of West Virginia, demonstrating electric school buses in Clay, Grant, Monongalia, and Ohio counties.

"We are steadfast in our commitment to bring clean transportation to areas across West Virginia and beyond and are thrilled to launch the second round of our pilot project to help school districts test GreenPower's all-electric school buses in real world scenarios," said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. "The difference in topical geography and weather will provide us valuable data and a good understanding of how the buses will perform in more mountainous terrain and a colder climate."

"The best education is our number one priority at Grant County Schools, but we also have a responsibility to give our students a better planet as well," said Mitch Webster, superintendent of Grant County Schools. "Through our participation in the GreenPower electric school bus pilot program, we can do our part too. Our students will have the opportunity to ride in an all-electric school bus from a company who manufactures these buses right here in our home state and we look forward to being part of the program." 

"Monongalia County Schools recognizes that electric buses will be a part of the future of school transportation and will shape how students travel to and from schools. With a major electric bus manufacturer producing buses right here in West Virginia – like the one we are excited to test – electric buses may one day reign over transportation in our county and throughout the state," said Dr. Eddie R. Campbell, superintendent of Monongalia County Schools.

"Our team is looking forward to participating in the GreenPower pilot program to receive first-hand experience driving and maintaining an electric school bus and all that entails," said Tony Harris, director of transportation for Monongalia County Schools.