Calhoun County Schools taking delivery of a GreenPower BEAST all-electric purpose-built school bus. In the photo are Kelli Whytsell, Superintendent; Jenna Jett, Board of Education President; Michael Fitzwater, Assistant Superintendent and Green Power Motor Vice President, Mark Nestlen.
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) ("GreenPower"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced the deployment of Round 5 of its all-electric school buses Pilot Project in Calhoun, Putnam and Roane County school districts in West Virginia.
"Over the course of the 2022-23 school year our BEAST and Nano BEAST have proven their capabilities in cold weather, snowy conditions and mountainous terrain in both rural and urban counties across the state. In short, the GreenPower school buses have performed exactly as we expected them to," said GreenPower CEO and Chairman Fraser Atkinson. "The pilot project has allowed more children to experience a healthier transportation alternative without sacrificing reliability for the school districts involved. We are looking forward to providing Calhoun, Putnam, Roane and Upshur County school districts a safe, sustainable way for children going to and from school during this round."
This round of the pilot project comes one week after the state of West Virginia announced the purchase of 41 Type D BEASTs and Type A Nano BEASTs from GreenPower for school districts in the state. During a press conference last week, county school district representatives from schools that had participated in the pilot praised the GreenPower purpose-built, all-electric school buses for their safety, handling ability and range performance in all conditions.
GreenPower will continue to support school districts transitioning to electric buses through installing the proper charging infrastructure and the necessary training for the countys' first responders, mechanics and school bus drivers.
Calhoun, Roane and Putnam County School Districts Press Conferences and Electric School Bus Deployment
This week, the three new counties participating in the pilot project will hold a press conference to discuss electrifying their school bus fleet, health and safety benefits for children and the community. This coincides with the first deployments of the three all-electric BEASTs in each county this week. Media are invited and encouraged to attend the press conference and first deployment activities.
Calhoun County
"Calhoun County Schools is delighted to participate in the fifth round of the pilot program and to further our commitment toward sustainable energy and transportation following our solar panel installation," said Kelli Whytsell, Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools. "We look forward to offering our students transportation in the safest and cleanest way possible."
- Press Conference: Tuesday, April 18 at 1 p.m. ET
- Location: 540 Alan B Mollohan Rd Mount Zion, WV
- First Deployment of GreenPower Electric School Bus: Wednesday, April 19 at 6:20 a.m. ET
- Location: 540 Alan B Mollohan Rd Mount Zion, WV