GreenPower Unveils Electric School Bus 'Mega BEAST' With a Massive 300 Miles of Range

GreenPower has unveiled its latest offering, the Mega BEAST, an all-electric Type D school bus with a massive range of nearly 300 miles on a single charge. This 40-foot electric school bus is a zero-emission vehicle that has a whopping 387 kWh battery pack.

All About the Mega BEAST School Bus

The Mega BEAST is the largest in the school bus market, according to the company. Its battery allows for an extended range, making it a compelling option for school districts with longer routes or facing challenging weather conditions.

Moreover, it can accommodate up to 90 passengers and features essential amenities like air ride suspension, ABS disk brakes, and ample pass-through storage.

According to Michael Perez, GreenPower's Vice President of School Bus, Contracts, and Grants, the Mega BEAST not only extends the range but also offers a cleaner and healthier alternative to traditional diesel buses. This development is especially crucial for school districts seeking sustainable transportation solutions.

"The all-electric, purpose-built BEAST has established the new standard of performance, safety and sustainability in the school bus market. Today with the introduction of the Mega BEAST, GreenPower also sets a new industry standard in range and battery size," Perez said in a press release.

"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," he added.

V2G Applications of Mega BEAST

The Mega BEAST's larger battery size also holds promise for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications, wherein the battery can serve as an energy storage solution beyond transportation needs.

Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower, highlighted the potential of V2G in stabilizing the electric grid, promoting clean energy, and reducing costs. Unveiled at the National Association of Pupil Transportation's (NAPT) Conference and Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio, the Mega BEAST addresses a critical need for longer-range school buses.

The company hopes to set a new standard in the industry, catering to the demands of rural school districts, areas with limited opportunity for mid-day charging, and regions prone to extreme weather conditions.

In essence, the Mega BEAST builds upon the success of its predecessor, the BEAST, by incorporating a larger battery, extended range, and increased uphill climbing power.

"Before now, there was not a vehicle on the market that offered these longer-range capabilities. The Mega BEAST sets a new benchmark in the industry by addressing the needs and filling the gap in the current market where longer range all-electric school buses are required," Riley said in the statement.