AUTO

GreenPower Rolls Out First Electric School Buses in West Virginia

December 16, 2023

GreenPower has completed manufacturing its first four electric school buses in West Virginia, marking a significant milestone in the electric school bus sector.
The Type A Nano BEAST buses were manufactured at GreenPower’s South Charleston facility, highlighting the importance of partnerships with the state of West Virginia in advancing clean transportation initiatives.
These electric buses offer innovative features like seating for up to 24 students and wheelchair securements, emphasizing safety and inclusivity in school transportation.

GreenPower, a leading manufacturer of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission vehicles, has successfully completed the manufacturing of its first four electric, purpose-built school buses at its West Virginia facility, marking a significant milestone in the electric school bus sector. These buses, part of the Type A Nano BEAST series, underscore GreenPower’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and its prominent role as an electric school bus manufacturer.

“The completion of the first GreenPower all-electric school buses is as a result of an economic partnership with the state of West Virginia,” said GreenPower CEO Fraser Atkinson. “The state has played a critical role in reaching today’s rollout. From securing the manufacturing facility to the purchase of $15 million in GreenPower school buses, West Virginia has been the kind of partner that helps a company achieve its startup production and financial goals.”

Image showcasing GreenPower’s Type A Nano BEAST and Type D BEAST electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses at the company’s South Charleston, West Virginia manufacturing facility.

Innovating Together

GreenPower’s success in manufacturing these Type A Nano BEAST school buses at its South Charleston facility reflects the company’s dedication to innovation and collaboration. “Setting up a new manufacturing facility for the production of all-electric, purpose-built school buses is not an easy task,” noted GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “I am proud of the GreenPower team for reaching this milestone in the progression of our company.”

Today’s achievement also highlights the positive impact of partnerships and community involvement in advancing clean transportation initiatives. “A local workforce being trained and educated by both GreenPower’s senior production staff and BridgeValley Community and Technical College has led us to the production of these first buses,” Riley added, emphasizing the importance of workforce development in driving sustainable manufacturing practices.

Political Support and Endorsement

In addition to celebrating the completion of these buses, key officials expressed their optimism for the future of clean transportation in West Virginia. “Today marks a significant milestone for the state of West Virginia as GreenPower has completed production of the first group of all-electric, zero-emission school buses in our state,” stated Senator Craig Blair, West Virginia Lt. Governor and President of the West Virginia Senate.

Senator Eric Tarr, Chairman of the West Virginia Senate Finance Committee, highlighted the collaborative efforts between government entities and private companies like GreenPower, noting the positive outcomes for economic growth and job creation.

Delegate Christopher Toney, Vice Chairman of the West Virginia House of Delegates Committee on Education, shared his firsthand experience with GreenPower’s electric school buses, emphasizing their safety and reliability. “As a school bus driver myself in Raleigh County, I’ve had the privilege of driving GreenPower’s all-electric school buses and can say, without a doubt, they are the safest, most quiet and smoothest ride I’ve been on.”

These quotes not only validate the significance of GreenPower’s achievement but also underscore the collective effort to promote sustainability and innovation in transportation.