UPDATE
Proterra, Optimal Electric Vehicles
partner for first North American allelectric
low-floor shuttle bus
Optimal Electric Vehicles, LLC (Optimal-EV) and Proterra, a
leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, announced
a new partnership to leverage Proterra’s best-in-class battery
technology and charging systems for the development of the
industry’s first all-electric S1LF low-floor cutaway shuttle bus for the
North American market.
Optimal-EV’s S1LF will utilize Proterra’s high-performance battery
systems, which have industry-leading energy density for maximum
range, a flexible design to fit within a wide variety of vehicles, and
rigorous pack level validation to ensure safe and durable vehicle
operation. The Proterra® battery system powering the S1LF will
feature 113 kWh of energy capacity and an all-electric, zero-emission
drive system that is designed to enable more than 125 miles of driving
range. The vehicle can fully charge in about two hours with optional
DC fast charging. The all-electric S1LF integrates a Ford E450 chassis
platform, which has been fully optimized for the vehicle body. The
all-electric S1LF will feature a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
14,500 pounds, with no reduction in carrying capacity.
“Electric vehicles offer a smoother, quieter rider experience while
producing zero tailpipe emissions for improved air quality and public
health,” said Optimal COO Dan Daniels. “Optimal is expanding the
accessibility of EV technology to more riders by introducing the
industry’s first all-electric low-floor shuttle bus. Proterra’s expertise
and experience in battery-electric transit buses makes them an ideal
and trusted partner as we design and deliver this new vehicle.”
The S1LF will debut at the APTA EXPO 2021 and be available
for commercial purchase in 2021. The S1LF is the first of several
planned commercial electric vehicles from Optimal-EV for use in a
variety of applications.
“Commercial urban fleets are an ideal use case for EV technology,
and we are excited to partner with Optimal to achieve a major
milestone for the North American electric vehicle market,” said
Proterra CEO Jack Allen. “Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology
has been proven in more than 12 million miles of service with our
transit buses across North America. Now, we look forward to
providing the same industry-leading technology to power the first allelectric
S1LF low-floor shuttle bus with Optimal.”
Through the Proterra Powered™ program, Proterra and Optimal-EV
collaborated to determine the right size, shape, and performance of
the battery system for the S1LF vehicle. Proterra Powered leverages
Proterra’s EV technology and expertise to help commercial vehicle
manufacturers electrify their vehicles. As an OEM that uses its
own battery technology to power its fleet of heavy-duty electric
transit buses, Proterra brings more than a decade of experience
manufacturing, testing and delivering EVs. To date, Proterra Powered
has helped world-class OEMs like Thomas Built Bus, Van Hool
and FCCC introduce 100 percent battery-electric vehicles that are
powered by Proterra electric vehicle technology.
The S1LF integrates 33 years of Optimal’s automotive design
and CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) optimization and validation
expertise, culminating in safe, reliable and durable automotive grade
products with the efficiency and performance of a factory-installed,
fully integrated electric power system. Optimal’s low-floor design,
which is made possible by the innovative packaging of battery-electric
propulsion, allows for ultra-low 11-inch step-in height and quick
deployment of an ADA-compliant accessibility ramp without the need
for the added complexity of a kneeling suspension.
Engineered and manufactured in the U.S., Proterra battery
packs are designed specifically for safe operation in transportation
and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the
toughest conditions. Proterra batteries incorporate state-of-theart
safety features, including sensors throughout each pack that
deliver continuous monitoring and diagnostics and cell-level passive
propagation resistance (PPR), a safety design feature that isolates a
defective cell and prevents it from causing complications throughout
the entire pack. Further, each pack features a protective, ruggedized
enclosure made with ballistic-grade materials.
Proterra also offers high power charging systems that are purposebuilt
for heavy-duty applications and use standardized technology for
interoperability. Proterra charging systems utilize the universal J1772-
CCS Type 1 charging standard, enabling operators to use Proterra
charging systems for a range of battery-electric powered vehicles.
NFI combines New Flyer and MCI
NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent bus
and motorcoach manufacturers, announced a company-wide
transformational initiative called “NFI Forward” to rationalize its
business units and facilities.
“While we have been working to streamline our businesses
to enhance competitiveness by leveraging scale, expertise, and
capability, the drastic and unanticipated impact of the COVID-19
pandemic has forced us to revisit our unique business definitions,”
said Paul Soubry, NFI president and chief executive officer. “The first
major activity of NFI Forward is the immediate combination of New
Flyer and MCI into one business, and to ensure a smooth transition
Ian Smart (former MCI president) has been appointed executive vice
president, business transformation of NFI to lead the effort.”
New Flyer and MCI have legacies of product excellence dating back
to the 1930s. The combined entity will retain both market-leading
brands and will operate under the leadership of New Flyer President
Chris Stoddart.
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