GreenPower, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently unveiled its new electric school bus called the “Mega Beast.” This impressive vehicle not only offers a long range between charges, but it can also accommodate dozens of passengers. With a massive 387 kWh battery and nearly 300 miles of range, the Mega Beast is capable of carrying up to 90 people, which is equivalent to around three classrooms full of kids. This groundbreaking announcement was made through a press release, which was reported by Electrek.
According to GreenPower, the Mega Beast is the longest range electric school bus on the market, thanks to its large battery pack. The bus is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which offers high energy density and a longer lifespan, although it does come with a higher initial cost.
The Mega Beast is essentially an enhanced version of GreenPower’s regular electric school bus, the Beast, which offers a range of 140 miles and features a 197.3 kWh battery. In addition to doubling the battery size, the Mega Beast also boasts better hill-climbing power, making it more suitable for challenging terrains.
One might wonder why a school bus needs such a long range, considering that buses usually only make two runs per day. However, the Mega Beast has been specifically designed for longer range routes at rural schools and for school districts that are unable to charge the bus during mid-day. It is also targeted towards regions with extreme weather conditions and schools that utilize the all-electric bus for extra-curricular activities.
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While large electric school buses with around 100 miles of range can be quite expensive, ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, they do offer significant benefits in terms of maintenance costs. Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched the Clean School Bus Program, which provides $5 billion over five years to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models, further incentivizing the adoption of electric buses. Other companies, such as Daimler’s Thomas-Built Buses division and Blue Bird, are also involved in the development of electric buses.
The introduction of the Mega Beast by GreenPower represents a significant milestone in the advancement of electric school buses. With its impressive range and capacity, this electric school bus showcases the potential for sustainable transportation in the education sector. As more school districts and organizations embrace the transition to electric buses, not only will they benefit from reduced emissions and environmental impact, but they will also contribute to a cleaner and healthier future for our children.
The Mega Beast is a shining example of the growing capabilities of electric vehicles, proving that they can indeed overcome challenges related to range and capacity. As technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more impressive advancements in the electric school bus industry and beyond. With increased investments and support from government programs like the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, the transition to electric school buses is set to accelerate, creating a brighter, greener future for students around the world.
