Image source: GreenPower Motor Company.
The Canadian electric bus manufacturer GreenPower Motor Company Inc. recently revealed the new electric school bus Mega BEAST. This model has a range of 300 miles (483 km) with a single battery charge and can carry up to 90 passengers. This is a significant increase from the BEAST (Battery Electric Automotive School Transportation) version, which includes a range of 140 miles (225 km).
The impressive lithium iron phosphate battery pack of 387 kWh provides zero-emission transport to rural districts and is suitable for longer routes. Moreover, the extended range can provide a solution for schools that use an all-electric bus for extra-curricular activities and school trips, as well as for districts with fewer recharging options during the day.
GreenPower Vice President of School Bus, Contracts, and Grants, Michael Perez, stated that “The extended range of the Mega BEAST will help more school districts make the switch from NOx-emitting diesel buses to the GreenPower all-electric, zero-emission option that provides a safer, cleaner, and healthier ride for school kids.”
The Mega BEAST features an aluminum body, air suspension, and ABS braking. Another interesting feature is the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) option, where this large battery pack would be used as energy storage.
As said by the company president, Brendan Riley, “V2G is becoming a common-sense tool that helps to create a more reliable grid, promote clean energy and reduce costs,”, adding that “The larger battery of the Mega Beast has the ability to provide for a more healthy and stable electric grid and community stability in areas where it is deployed and V2G is used.”
The Mega BEAST was presented in Columbus, Ohio, at the Association of Pupil Transportation’s Conference and Trade Show. Furthermore, it will be manufactured at the company’s US facilities in California and South Charleston, West Virginia, starting in 2024.
Founded in 2010, GreenPower Motor Company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
