One of the BEAST ’ s key differentiators is efficiency . With current gas prices , GreenPower estimates that districts can achieve a 70 percent reduction in operational savings by switching from diesel-fueled buses to the BEAST . This includes fuel costs , fluid maintenance , oil changes , transmission services , and other operational expenses . Pairing those costs with electric vehicle incentives , plus a reduction in day-to-day maintenance costs – districts can start seeing a return on investment on “ day one .” The battery system is ambient controlled , and a thermal management system keeps the batteries within a specific ambient range that will increase battery life over time . This becomes especially important in very cool or warm clients . Serviceability is another factor in the BEAST ’ s difference . With battery packs located within the superstructure , drivers and maintenance techs will have a much easier time during walk-around inspections . Not only that , but by strategically placing the battery packs in optimal locations , the BEAST offers a very quiet , balanced ride . Shetterly said that GreenPower estimates districts will see a 30 to 50-percent increase in overall brake life over competitive models because of the regenerative braking which is programmable on a district-by-district basis . “ For us , the longevity factor is critical ,” he said . “ We understand that our customers are spending good , hard-earned money . Whether or not the purchase is subsidized , someone is paying for it . We want that investment to resound for years and show both sides of the aisle that what we ' re doing makes sense .” “ Districts really can lower emissions and lower operation costs at the same time ,” he said .
Making deliveries
Today , GreenPower has 100 BEAST school buses in production . In 4Q2021 , the company delivered six units to Thermalito Union Elementary School District ( UESD ) four units to Anaheim Union High School District , and one unit to Santa Maria Joint Union High School District – all in California .
“ After receiving our CHP 292 certification here in California , we are looking east and starting to expand our dealer network ,” Shetterly said . “ We ' re excited for the next 180 days , which I think is going to represent an absolute tidal wave for zero emissions school buses .”
Thermalito USD
Thermalito UESD in Oroville , California , worked with the Butte County Air Quality Management District ( part of the California Air Resources Board [ CARB ]) and the California Energy Commission ( CEC ) throughout 2018 to plan its first electric bus deployment . Butte County Air Quality Management District allotted $ 468,000 toward the district ’ s first bus and corresponding infrastructure , while the CEC allotted $ 1.95 million for five more buses and necessary infrastructure .
12 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE . COM | FEBRUARY 2022