All-Electric School Bus Pilot Starting in New Mexico

New Mexico officials and GreenPower Motor Company have launched a two-year pilot project to deploy all-electric school buses in northern New Mexico classrooms.

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, three Type A all-electric “Nano BEAST” buses will be placed in service in Las Vegas City Schools, West Las Vegas Schools, and the Monte del Sol Charter School in Santa Fe. The following year, two Type D BEAST buses and one “Mega BEAST” are expected to rotate through school districts across the state.

Under the agreement, the state has set aside $5 million in capital outlay funds for the initial rollout and may contribute up to $15 million more if the pilot proves successful. GreenPower will handle charging infrastructure deployment, training, maintenance tracking and data collection with partner Highland Electric Fleets and telematics provider Geotab.

Officials say the project aligns with New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act — aiming for 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045 — while giving school districts insight into operational, maintenance and acceptance challenges before future expansion.