New Mexico Launches All-Electric School Bus Pilot with GreenPower Motor Company

New Mexico is set to roll out a statewide pilot project testing all-electric school buses, as part of a new $5 million contract with GreenPower Motor Company. The two-year initiative will introduce six electric school buses across a rotating group of school districts, evaluating both vehicle performance and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The pilot will begin during the 2025–26 school year with three Type A Nano BEAST Access buses — compact, purpose-built, zero-emission models designed for student transportation. In the second year, GreenPower will deploy three larger Type D buses: the BEAST and the high-capacity Mega BEAST, which boasts a 387 kWh battery and a range of up to 300 miles per charge, the longest of any electric school bus in its class.

Each school year, the buses will rotate through five districts for six-week test periods. Participating schools are being selected from a pool of volunteers by the state.

The state’s Economic Development Department is overseeing the pilot, which includes funding not just for the buses themselves, but also for the installation of Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, training for drivers and mechanics, and coordination with local first responders.

GreenPower, which manufactures all-electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, will support implementation from a new in-state location. The first three buses are nearly complete and are expected to be ready for deployment by mid-September.

"The New Mexico pilot project provides an opportunity to expand the reach of GreenPower’s zero-emission school bus product and gives parents, kids and school districts in the state the opportunity to evaluate the transition to all-electric, purpose-built school buses," said GreenPower President Brendan Riley.

In the second year, the pilot will also explore vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities using the Mega BEAST, allowing the buses to potentially supply power back to the grid when not in use. This could support local resiliency and help balance electricity supply, particularly in rural or high-demand areas.

Mark Roper, director of the Economic Development Division at the New Mexico Economic Development Department, emphasized the importance of infrastructure readiness. "Range, charging rates and grid resiliency are critical components of switching to all-electric, zero-emission vehicles," he said.

GreenPower is partnering with Highland Electric Fleets on the charging buildout. The Massachusetts-based company brings experience deploying electric school bus infrastructure at scale. “This initiative presents an opportunity to reduce transportation-related emissions in New Mexico communities, protect student health and modernize school transportation,” said Brian Buccella, Highland’s Chief Commercial Officer.