GreenPower Motor accelerates future of zero-emission school transportation in West Virginia
In a significant move towards sustainable school transportation, GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (GreenPower), a frontrunner in the manufacture and distribution of all-electric, zero-emission vehicles, has announced plans to deliver 88 additional electric Type D BEAST and Type A Nano BEAST school buses to West Virginia in the fiscal year 2025. This announcement underscores the company’s leading position in the push for eco-friendly school transport solutions, reflecting a growing trend towards reducing carbon emissions in the education sector.
The delivery of these buses is part of a broader initiative, backed by an $18,565,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aimed at deploying GreenPower’s cutting-edge electric school buses across seven counties in West Virginia. This grant not only covers the cost of the buses but also includes funding for charging infrastructure, ensuring the project’s success and sustainability. Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts in manufacturing these purpose-built buses at its South Charleston plant, marking a significant milestone in the #YesWV GreenPower All-Electric School Bus Pilot Project initiated during the 2022-23 school year.
This initiative is not just a leap forward for GreenPower but also positions West Virginia as a leader in adopting electric school buses on a per capita basis, according to Atkinson. With nearly 100 GreenPower electric buses soon to be operational within the state, West Virginia sets an example for nationwide adoption of eco-friendly school transportation solutions.
The planned delivery follows a year of record-breaking achievements for GreenPower, which saw a 356% increase in electric school bus deliveries across the country during the fiscal year 2024. The company’s production facilities in South Charleston, West Virginia, and Porterville, California, are gearing up to meet the rising demand, targeting the production of 50 to 60 electric school buses per quarter by the end of fiscal year 2025.
Beyond school transportation, GreenPower’s commercial division has also seen significant growth, with a 9% increase in EV Star deliveries to customers outside of Workhorse, totaling 179 EV Star products during the fiscal year. Brendan Riley, GreenPower President, anticipates that the commercial unit will bolster the company’s revenue, further encouraged by purchase incentives and tax breaks for fleets transitioning to electric vehicles. This shift not only represents a move towards cleaner energy but also promises financial benefits for local school districts through lower ownership costs.
GreenPower Motor Company Inc.’s initiative to expand its fleet of all-electric, zero-emission school buses in West Virginia is a landmark moment for both the company and the broader move towards sustainable school transportation. By leveraging significant EPA grants and focusing on comprehensive infrastructural support, GreenPower is not only advancing its technological and environmental goals but also providing a blueprint for other states to follow. This project, emblematic of a shift towards cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable transportation options, promises to significantly impact the environmental footprint of school commutes, marking a crucial step forward in the journey towards a greener future.