Equipment News

Van Hool Ships First Electric Coach to the U.S.

Van Hool, an independent Belgian manufacturer of buses, coaches and industrial vehicles, has shipped the first CX45E, a 100 percent battery-electric coach, to the US. After an intense period of development and testing, the CX45E is now being commercially launched by Van Hool’s North American exclusive distributor ABC Bus Companies Inc. An additional 10 units will be shipped to the U.S. in the first half of 2021. The all-electric CX45E will then be delivered to two North American customers.

The CX45E is a fully electric powered coach for the North American market. Proterra, a leading American producer of battery technology for heavy-duty vehicles, was selected by Van Hool to supply the E2 battery technology. The 100 percent electrically driven vehicle has a range of up to 310 miles, depending on the climate conditions and the route’s topography. The CX45E will mainly be used for commuting by groups of employees and/or regular passenger transport.

Filip Van Hool, CEO of Van Hool, explained: “With this announcement it all became a reality. A few years ago we put the first technical concepts of the CX45E on paper, and today the end-result leaves for the U.S. We were, of course, able to draw on our vast experience we have built up over decades in the design and production of electric buses. In 1985 we built our first trolley electric buses. In 2005 we were the first manufacturer to design a hydrogen-powered electric bus for the North American market, and the platform of our successful Exqui.City trambus can be equipped with different electric drivetrains. In total, more than 1,000 electrically powered vehicles have left Van Hool’s factory. And we will continue our efforts to market environmentally friendly and cost-efficient electric vehicles in the future, both in Europe and in our second home market – North America. ”

Filip Van Hool adds: “Though not as prominent as in North America, in Europe too we see growing interest in a European version of the electric coach. With the experience gained in developing the CX45E, we firmly believe we are ready to quickly deliver a solution for customers who are looking for such a product, if European interest becomes more pronounced. ”

“The cooperation between Van Hool and its distributor in the North American market, ABC Bus Companies Inc., began 33 years ago, ” says Filip Van Hool. “After all these years of hard work, together we have managed to put Van Hool on the map in America. Today there are more than 11,000 Van Hool coaches and buses on U.S. roads serving many customers, including a number of large Silicon Valley companies that organize shuttles for their employees. As there was demand from several customers for fully electrically powered vehicles, we at Van Hool and ABC Bus Companies Inc., looked for a solution. Van Hool is excited and proud to work with Proterra, a pioneering company in the development and production of battery technology. ”

The CX45E was designed, developed and prototyped at the parent company in Koningshooikt, Belgium. The productionready versions of the 10 CX45E coaches planned for the first half of 2021 will also come from the Belgian factory. The vehicles will be driven from Koningshooikt to Zeebrugge for shipment to the U.S.

Van Hool is an independent Belgian bus, coach and industrial vehicle manufacturer. The company, which was founded in 1947, is based in Koningshooikt. The vast majority of units produced are destined for Europe and the U.S. Van Hool has around 4,100 staff worldwide, the majority of whom work at the production facilities in Koningshooikt (Belgium) and Skopje (North Macedonia).

Prevost Delivers Two Commuter Coaches to BSOOB Transit

Prevost announced Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, located in southeastern Maine, has taken delivery of two 2021 Prevost X3-45 commuter coaches. The coaches are the first new additions of any kind to the BSOOB fleet in nearly 10 years and will replace two units that were deemed beyond their useful life.

“Prevost is extremely pleased to partner with BSOOB Transit on the purchase of two

Van Hool recently shipped its first CX445E battery-electriccoachtotheUnited States.Developedand built at Van Hool’s headquarters in Koningshooikt, Belgium. The CX45E was designed specifically for the American market and will be sold by Van Hool’s exclusive NorthAmericandistributor,ABC Companies. With a range of up to 310 miles on a single charge,theCX45Ewill besuitedtocommuter andshuttleoperations.

new commuter coaches, ” said Karen Honeysett, director of public sector for Prevost. “The X3-45 commuter offers a smooth, quiet ride for both drivers and passengers, as well as the quality and safety Prevost is known for. ”

In 1998, BSOOB Transit introduced ZOOM Express, a convenient and affordable commuter option designed to transport workers into Portland. However, in recent years, locals have seen the BSOOB area grow and change, and with that progress, they are now seeing riders travel in both directions. In 2019, BSOOB Transit transported more than 360,000 passengers to and from their destinations.

“We are thrilled to take delivery of our two new Prevost coaches, ” said Tony Scavuzzo, executive director of BSOOB Transit. “The units will ensure ZOOM Express service between Biddeford/Saco, and Portland will remain reliable and provide increased comfort for our loyal passengers traveling daily to Portland’s peninsula. ”

Featuring an integral chassis-body structure which provides the strongest, safest and most durable foundation in the industry, each coach is powered by a 435HP Volvo D13 diesel engine and Allison transmission. With the longest wheelbase in the industry, passengers can expect a smoother, more comfortable ride as well as a great view from any one of the 51 seats. The Prevostpatented frameless windows offer abundant natural light and the nearly 80-inch interior environment provides more interior height than other commuter coaches in the market.

“We’ve worked hard to make and save enough money to buy new instead of used, ” said Craig Pendleton, director of external affairs for BSOOB Transit. “With the help of Maine DOT and Federal Transit Administration, we finally have new buses to play with. ” In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BSOOB elected to add the Prevost driver protection system in each coach to help ensure safety for both drivers and passengers. The transparent barrier kit is available for retrofit and offers an encapsulated area for drivers without obstructing visibility.

The new BSOOB X3-45s began ZOOM Express service on November 2, 2020 including two new stops – one at the Saco Transportation Center and one at Mercy Hospital. For more information, visit bsoobtransit.org.

Prevost is a leading manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches and the world leader in the production of conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. As part of the Volvo Group,

BiddefordSacoOldOrchardBeachTransitrecentlytookdeliveryoftwonewPrevostX3-45Commuter Coaches.ThecoacheswillbeusedontheZOOMExpressservicebetweenBiddeford/Sacoand Portland.Theservicehasrecentlyseenanincreaseinpassengerstravelinginbothdirections.

it has access to the financial strength, research capability, and manufacturing expertise of the group. The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines. Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada and has nineteen Parts and Service Centers located in the United States and Canada.

CCW Rehabs Five Buses for Yamhill County Transit

Complete Coach Works (CCW) announced on December 21 that it was recently awarded a contract from Yamhill County Transit (Yamhill Transit) to supply three 30-foot and two 35-foot remanufactured Gillig buses.

In the height of the Covid-19 pandemic essential businesses, including public transit agencies, implemented safety and caution procedures for their employees and riders. Yamhill County Transit is among the many agencies to require face coverings, include hand sanitizer stations and enforce physical distancing of at least six feet.

In order to promote social distancing, Yamhill Transit will add five remanufactured buses to its fleet. The buses will service its local routes in McMinnville and Newberg, Oregon. “Adding rehabbed buses to Yamhill’s fleet will not only minimize overcrowding, but will provide Yamhill a large savings over acquiring new buses, ” states Jim Paul, regional sales manager at CCW. “Purchasing rehabbed buses is the most cost-effective and efficient way to provide safe and reliable transportation to its riders. ”

This rehab project will take place at CCW’s headquarters located in Riverside, California. The rehabilitation will include replacement of the original engines with Recon Cummins ISL engines. In addition, the buses will include Allison B400R transmissions, new driver seats, new floors, new interior and exterior LED lighting, and ADA compliant wheelchair ramps. The buses will then be painted and decaled to reflect Yamhill’s branding.

“We look forward to the successful completion of this project. Our goal is to improve customer satisfaction. We are elated Yamhill will be able to offer a more comfortable experience to its passengers, ” added Paul.

Complete Coach Works (CCW) is the largest bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company in the United States, with more than 30 years in the transportation industry. A pioneer in the field of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle technology, CCW has always worked to provide clean vehicles through innovative design and engineering, and it unveiled the world’s first remanufactured all-electric, battery-powered bus in 2012. For jobs of any size, CCW’s team of more than 350 experts always provides cutting-edge products and exceptional customer service.

NCCU Gets Two Prevost H3-45 Coaches

Prevost announced North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina, has taken delivery of two 2020 H3-45 coaches to be used for student transportation.

Freshly wrapped with eye-catching NCCU Eagles graphics, the coaches arrived in style on the beautiful NCCU campus at the Shepard Administration circle where they were met by socially distanced faculty and staff of the esteemed university. “We’re

thrilled to introduce the coaches to our student body, ” said Dr. Johnson Akinleye, chancellor of NCCU. “We trust Prevost to provide a safe ride for our students, as well as a quality vehicle we can count on. ”

The coaches are equipped with Prevost Driver Assist™ , which fully integrates radar, camera and brake technologies for motorcoach applications. The data from these technologies works together, gathering and sharing information, functioning simultaneously to create driver assistance aimed at reducing incidents and lowering operational costs.

“The coaches will be used for student transportation of all kinds, ” said Phillip Vereen, transportation director for NCCU. “From student government events to athletics, the coaches will provide a safe, comfortable ride for students, faculty and staff alike. ” In addition to Prevost Driver Assist™ for collision mitigation, the coaches also feature Prevost’s surround camera system for enhanced driver visibility, perimeter intelligent loading and navigation lights.

“We are honored to partner with NCCU, ” said Jay Snead, regional sales manager for Prevost. “The luxury spec’d H3-45 touring coaches offer the most advanced safety options to provide drivers and passengers the ultimate peace of mind. ”

For increased passenger comfort and productivity, each coach is also equipped

NorthCarolinaCentral University in Durham, NorthCarolinarecently took delivery of two new Prevost H3-45 coaches.Thecoaches feature Prevost Driver Assist, Prevost’s SurroundCameraSystem, perimeter intelligent loadingandnavigation lights. Their first trip cameonNovember25 when the NCCU Lady Eaglesbasketballteam defeated Campbell University 70-65 in doubleovertime.

with the ICOMERA Wi-Fi and entertainment system. “With ICOMERA onboard, students can keep up with their studies while traveling to and from their destinations, ” said Snead.

The coaches made their maiden voyage to Campbell University on November 25 with the NCCU Lady Eagles basketball team. The Lady Eagles defeated Campbell 70-65 in double overtime, making the journey a victorious one.

ABC Offers Diesel to Electric Repower Program

ABC Companies, a leading provider to the motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transportation market in the United States and Canada, will soon be the first to offer a motorcoach-diesel-to-electric-

Inwhatmustbeconsideredarevolutionaryconceptincoaches,ABCCompaniesisnowabletotake diesel coaches and repower them with battery-electric drive lines. Working together with Lightning eMotors,ABC isnowabletoofferdieseltoelectricrepowerkitsthatareinstalledbyABC technicians. ABC hasalonghistoryinrepoweringandrefurbishingincludingmajorprogramsforlargeoperators. repower program for North American operators.

Together with Lightning eMotors, formerly known as Lightning Systems, the partners have created a five-step process for identifying, assessing and converting a wide range of “donor” diesel coach models that fit the criteria for fast-track battery electric conversion. The repower kits are engineered by Lightning eMotors and will be installed by ABC technicians. The program will launch under ABC Companies SVT (Specialty Vehicles and Technologies) division, underscoring the company’s focus on lowering EV market cost of entry barriers for coach operators.

“ABC Companies has a very long history of repower and refurbishment expertise, making conversions to battery electric power a logical next step, ” said Roman Cornell, president and chief commercial officer of ABC Companies. By sourcing leading suppliers and manufacturers, we will provide a portfolio of offerings and price points that will enable our customers to accelerate their introduction of zeroemission vehicles into their fleets. Although the pandemic has impacted the motorcoach market, we are working to get traditional vehicles back on the road, while investing now with innovative new solutions which will address customers’ needs for environmentally-friendly vehicles as the industry begins to recover. ”

In spite of these challenging times, many ABC customers and the clients they serve are developing strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, a trend that was started well before the pandemic, noted Cornell. With the cost of current options that organizations face to reduce their carbon footprint ranging from clean energy like solar panels to the enormous expense of upgrading or building new energy-efficient facilities, battery-electric coaches suddenly become an attractive lower-cost alternative

“Zero-emission coaches can offer a lower-cost investment, while producing immediate benefits to the environment. With the variety of incentives for all-electric transportation, many customers are investing now before funding is depleted or no longer available, ” Cornell added. “Many see zeroemission coaches as a mobile billboard in their communities, demonstrating an organization’s commitment to the communities where they work and live. The realm of possibilities is exciting, and ABC will work to educate and promote its EV-based solutions to customers in partnership with Lightning eMotors. ”

Cornell cited reduced total cost of ownership and monetizing older assets as tangible benefits when specifically looking to add EV Repower to fleets.

The new partnership between ABC Companies and Lightning eMotors was formed after a global search for a master service provider with the scope, scale, experience and expertise to develop EV Repower kits for a variety of customers and vehicle applications. Lightning eMotors is a leading developer of zero-emission electric powertrains for a wide variety of commercial vehicles and is certified by CARB and multiple OEM chassis certification programs.

In addition to providing a full range of motorcoach zero emission vehicle (ZEV) Repower options, ABC will also be an authorized referral agent for repowering many popular shuttle vans and cutaway applications such as the Lightning Ford Transit passenger van, E-450 and F-550 chassis. “The ability to assist in electric repowered solutions for our customers using these popular vehicles made Lightning eMotors a great fit for ABC Companies, ” Cornell said. “Many of our customers utilize these smaller vehicles for various short distance routes, such as airport runs and hotel shuttles, as well as last-mile services for smaller groups. These vehicles can provide a lower cost of entry as fleets identify vehicles to be repowered, and we need to be ready to meet those needs. ”

The first repowered motorcoach, a 2012 Van Hool T2145 will be going into operation in the San Francisco area recently, while other motorcoach models are being readied as this is written.

“When Roman and I took this zero emissions motorcoach out for a drive for the first time together, both of us couldn’t stop smiling—the smoothness, the quietness, the power—we both could see that this changes the motorcoach business forever. We are now accelerating additional rollouts of new repower options for a multitude of new motorcoach platforms, ” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning eMotors. “ABC’s expertise in the motorcoach market and deep knowledge of their large customer base’s needs and requirements combined with Lightning’s proven technical proficiency, provides a powerful, fast, costeffective zero-emission option specifically engineered to support each operator’s sustainability goals. ”

In addition to delivering the first repowered motorcoach application and launching the Lightning eMotors EV Repower kit option, ABC will also debut its first fully battery-electric OEM-produced Van Hool motorcoach later in 2020, the Van Hool CX45E. Featured at the 2020 UMA Expo and designed specifically for battery electric power, this new coach from Van Hool will change the way the industry views zeroemissions motorcoach travel.

“We must continually reassess our offering based on customer needs, ” Cornell said. “Aligning with the right partners to bring scalable and flexible solutions to our customers is what drives our business strategies. Whether our customer needs an EV passenger van or a double-deck motor-

coach, ABC is ready to help any sized fleet operator shape a solution around their resources and requirements for the longterm. We are also adding repowered Ford Transit passenger vans to our electric-powered ABC demo fleet, allowing customers to experience the many benefits of EV travel, while helping to educate our industry on the viability of these vehicles in their fleets, ” Cornell added. “Even against the backdrop of our industry’s unprecedented challenges, technology moves forward. Because the success of ABC has always been tied to our customers’ success, we cannot allow our industry to fall behind this technology curve and lose out on the funding and other support many industries are already receiving. Motorcoach travel has always contributed to lowering carbon emissions, and the movement to electric power presents the opportunity for our industry to receive the accolades and increased ridership it truly deserves. ”

ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned, full-size highway coach equipment along with transit and specialty vehicles. ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavyduty equipment from 10 strategically placed locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company’s financial services group –one of the largest financial service providers within the industry. For more information, contact ABC Companies at (800) 222-2875 or visit the company web site at abc-companies.com.

Daimler Coaches Expands Aftermarket Sales and Service

Daimler Buses is further strengthening its motorcoach business in the U.S. by joining forces with its North American business unit Daimler Coaches North America (DCNA), the parts distribution of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and distributors of Detroit Diesel engines. Setra operators will now fully benefit from the unique infrastructure that DTNA operates in North America.

Till Oberwoeder, head of Daimler Buses, outlines: “With the foundation of our business unit DCNA, Daimler Buses demonstrates with our North American bus operations its commitment to the North American motorcoach industry and its ambition to continually grow in this core market. By leveraging our Daimler infrastructure in North America, we will provide best in class service to our Setra operators and continue to expand our customer base. ”

As of September 2020 DCNA has partnered with four experienced and highly qualified Detroit Diesel Distributors in the U.S. to significantly grow its service network: • Interstate Companies (Midwest) • Penn Power Group (Northeast) • Stewart and Stevenson (Southeast)

Setra coaches will benefit from an expanded Daimler Aftermarket Parts and Service Network. Setra servicewillbeavailable atDetroitDieselDistributorswhilepartswillbedistributedthroughtheDaimler TruckNorthAmericasupplychain.ShownhereisaSetracoachattherecentUMAshowinLouisville. • Valley Power Systems (West coast).

Daimler Coaches North America has qualified eight new workshop locations for those selected Detroit Diesel distributors, to perform dedicated motorcoach service. These service locations will expand their service for Detroit Diesel engines and Allison transmissions to full coach support. Their service will now include electrical, HVAC, pneumatics and interiors. Customers will benefit from this unique full coach service to the industry: the new workshop set-up will enable Setra operators to have all of their coach service performed in one location by specialized coach mechanics, resulting in reduced service repair times for our operators.

Additionally, the new service locations are qualified to serve as selling points for motorcoach spare-parts offering a true one stop shopping experience to Setra operators.

Thomas Rohde, head of Daimler Coaches North America, adds: “These new workshop locations in the U.S. offer a service coverage and parts supply that operators expect from Setra as the premium motorcoach brand. It is our ultimate target to minimize idle times for our customers – wherever they need us, we will be there. ”

The backbone of the aftermarket parts distribution is the DTNA supply chain, which includes 10 parts distribution centers (PDC) across the U.S. and Canada, as well as a Dedicated Delivery Service (DDS) for nextday delivery on 90 percent of orders. Setra’s motorcoach parts are integrated into DTNA’s existing support of more than 50 product lines that serve the commercial transportation industry with reliable new and remanufactured parts. In working with DTNA’s aftermarket, Detroit Diesel’s service partners will be able to leverage its best-in-industry supply chain network, ensuring fast and reliable supply for Setra motorcoach operators.

Prevost Touts its Largest Service Network

Never before has loyalty to customers and the motorcoach industry been more vital than during these unprecedented times. Through it all, Prevost remains committed, offering customers consistent support through the largest service network in the motorcoach industry.

“Prevost recognizes the importance of customer support, now even more than ever, ” said Kevin Dawson, vice president of parts and service. “We want customers to know we’re here to help, and we’re not going anywhere. ”

Prevost’s vast network includes 17 OEMowned service locations and 60 mobile

Prevostjustifiablytoutsitsimpressiveservicenetworkthatisthelargestin theindustry.Inadditionto17ownedservicelocations,Prevostalsohas60 service vans on the road. The network can boast of having approximately 175factory-trainedtechnicianstoservicetheircustomers’buses. SeveralNashvillestarshavemadespecialeffortstosupportthebusindustry. Recently,countrysingerKarenWaldrupcametoaTennesseeMotorcoach Associationmeetingtospeaktoasenatorandacongressmaninattendance aboutwhytheyneededtosupportthebusindustry.

service vans strategically stationed throughout North America. “Prevost service centers are more accommodating than ever, ” said Prevost owner-operator Joel Prive of Lamoille Valley Transportation. “I sent a text to set up service for the next day. It was after 7 p.m., but I received confirmation that evening. What more can you ask for? Buy the best, get the best. ” Each service center and mobile unit is staffed with factory-trained technicians – focused on motorcoaches –ready and willing to perform work on any make or model of motorcoach.

“Our factory-certified technicians are trained to work on any motorcoach make or model, ” said Randy Castillo, service network director. “Whether a Prevost, a Volvo or any of our competitor brands, we provide exceptional service with a quick turnaround to get you back on the road right away. ”

Prevost offers a large inventory of genuine parts in addition to parts for all makes and models available for order from centralized parts warehouses, with many fast-moving parts available at one of the 17 service centers throughout North America. In addition to exceptional availability, most parts purchased and installed in a Prevost Service Center also come with a one-year warranty.

“We’re proud to offer Prevost Uptime, our preventive service agreement program, ” said Craig Heaton, business development manager. “Using our OEM-established maintenance intervals, or Service-At-AGlance, service agreements ensure each vehicle is well-serviced making it more reliable and fuel-efficient, while also lowering the total cost of ownership for the operator. ”

For customers looking to ease their budget, reduce unplanned stops and keep vehicles on the road, Prevost Uptime is the solution. Prevost Uptime service agreements implement fixed costs and include scheduled maintenance for engines, exhaust aftertreatment systems, transmissions, axles and chassis. Additionally, all services completed through the Prevost Uptime program are accompanied by a 24-month warranty on both parts and labor.

With more OEM-owned service centers than its top three competitors combined and a specialized customer support team with more than 260 years of industry experience, Prevost is committed to its customers and to the motorcoach industry now more than ever.

Nashville Stars Support the Bus Industry

Several Nashville stars have gone out of their way to support the bus industry. Recently, country singer Karen Waldrup came to a Tennessee Motorcoach Association meeting to speak to the senator and congressman in attendance about why they needed tp support the bus industry. Here are some of her comments.

“I’m a small town girl from South Louisiana that has been picking a guitar and singing full-time for the last eight years. It literally happened one day at a time for me. One fan at a time. After several years of touring in a 15-passenger van and sometimes doing makeup in the front seat, I finally arrived at the opportunity to ride on a tour bus. We traveled on the bus all of 2019, playing all over the country. The feeling of riding in the back of a bus is indescribable because it takes all the pain out of the traveling experience. Without it, you can arrive at a show and be exhausted from the travel. But, the show must go on. The bus allows us to really relax all day before the show which greatly impacts the experience because the fans have a more pleasant version of us. If we are going to travel all the way across the country to meet them, we want them to meet us. Not a tired version of us. It was so great and we had a full year of touring on the books for 2020.

“Then, Covid. We lost the shows, and the buses are sitting still. We are sitting still. We are not playing shows because we do not know if people will come to the show and purchase a ticket. Therefore, we wait for

each other. The buses wait for us while we wait for them. They cannot roll without us and we cannot roll without them. I am in great support of the CARES act because I know the transportation and music industry are in serious trouble. Venues are closing all over the nation. Please do not let us lose our buses too. It is physically impossible to do some of these back-to-back shows without the bus because we drive through the night. We park by the venue and walk right in. It drives the entire experience – literally. Please join me and supporting the motorcoach industry by supporting the CARES act. When this mess is over, we hope to step foot on the bus and start the tour clock over again. In the same way, please save our motorcoach and transportation business. ”

Vicinity to Offer Electric Buses

Grande West Transportation Group Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of mid-sized multipurpose transit vehicles for sale in Canada and the United States, has announced that it has engaged with LION Smart GmbH to integrate BMW technology as its electric vehicle (“EV”) solution.

The company is launching its new purpose-built Vicinity LT EV bus in the fourth quarter of 2020 and partnering with LION Smart engineering services for development and integration of the power management system. The contract between Grande West Transportation and LION Smart includes engineering services covering software, mechanical and electrical adaptation, battery management and the integration of 400V BMW battery packs into the Vicinity LT EV. As part of this contract, LION Smart is carrying out high-tech work of integrating the BMW battery pack solution. The demonstration Vicinity LT EV is scheduled for delivery to Grande West in the first quarter of 2021. After successful completion of the development project, subsequent orders for the supply of battery packs in significant quantities are possible for 2021. The BMW high voltage batteries developed for the BMW i3 will be used for the Vicinity LT EV. The BMW i batteries are a proven EV solution in many applications other than just the i3, with more than 100,000 BMW i battery packs sold worldwide.

"We are happy about the development contract from Grande West Transportation and the acquisition of another customer in North America, " said Thomas Hetmann, managing director of LION Smart GmbH. "Integration work and its following commercial production series supply represents a lucrative and scalable business model. This contract shows that our services as a specialist for engineering services are in demand and that other customers are also interested in our expertise in this area” .

Thomas Built Buses was selected as the sole provider of all 50 electric school buses by Dominion EnergyfortheinitialphaseoftheirelectricschoolbusprogramtosupportVirginiaschools.TheThomas Saf-T-LinerC2JouleyelectricbusispoweredbyProterraelectricvehicletechnology.Shownhereare someofthebusesattheeventthattookplaceonOctober27inEvington,Virginia.

William Trainer, president and CEO of Grande West, stated, “We are very excited to be working with LION Smart and BMW technology to bring our EV to the market. We have taken our time to select the best technology partners in the industry by using a proven, off the shelf, upgradeable automotive-style solution. We are receiving a lot of interest in our Vicinity LT EV bus, which is available for deliveries in 2021. We will be announcing further information about the product launch shortly. ”

Thomas Delivers Proterra Electric School Buses in Virginia

Thomas Built Buses (TBB), a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, its exclusive Virginia dealer, Sonny Merryman, and Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, recently celebrated the arrival of the first Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley battery-electric school buses in Virginia under phase one of Dominion Energy’s Electric School Bus Initiative. The celebration took place on October 27 in Evington, Virginia.

In December, 2019, Dominion Energy selected TBB as the sole provider of all 50 electricschool buses allocated for the initial phase of their electric school bus program, which aims to support Virginia school districts as they transition their school bus fleets from diesel to electric. The program will also allow Dominion Energy to explore the battery storage capabilities of electric school buses to provide reliability-related services on the electric grid. The program represents the largest planned deployment of electric school buses in the United States.

“Electric school buses provide an innovative, sustainable solution that will help the environment, protect children's health, make the electric grid stronger and free up money for our schools, " said Dan Weekley, vice president of innovation policy and development, Dominion Energy. “We’re excited to see these buses start to arrive in the Commonwealth and we look forward to working with school districts across Virginia to get this new technology on the roads. ”

“Our team has always prided ourselves as innovation leaders in pupil transportation, ” said Floyd Merryman, president and CEO of Sonny Merryman. “Dominion’s initiative is especially exciting not just for us but also for Virginia’s students and our many loyal partners across the Commonwealth’s public education community. ”

The unveiling of Virginia’s first electric school buses builds on additional recent deployments of Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses across the United States, including deliveries in Alaska, Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan.

“We are thrilled to pave the way for a cleaner future for the children in Virginia, ” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of TBB. “We believe electric school buses to be the future of pupil transportation and with quieter operation, lower operating costs and zero emissions, Virginia school districts should quickly realize the cost and societal benefits of this school bus fleet conversion. ”

TBB’s all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus is equipped with the

same vehicle quality, durability, performance, safety and comfort as the popular Saf-T-Liner C2. Jouley is powered by Proterra electric vehicle technology and is configured with 220 kWh of total energy capacity, a two-speed transmission and an estimated operating range of up to 135 miles. TBB is currently the only school bus manufacturer to offer DC fast charging architecture as standard equipment. Jouley can charge in about three hours and can supply power back to the power grid using vehicle to grid (V2G) technology.

“Battery-electric school buses offer a safe and reliable mode of transportation that improves air quality and protects the health of our students and communities. Now, thanks to the leadership of Dominion Energy, we’re excited to go even further by showing how embracing electric school buses can also strengthen the electricity grid. Along with our partners Thomas Built Buses and Sonny Merryman, Proterra is proud to help power the single largest deployment of electric school buses in the United States with our electric vehicle technology, ” said Jack Allen, Proterra CEO.

TBB and Proterra offer electrical infrastructure project management and a comprehensive turnkey solution for EV integration. Known as the Electric Bus Authority Program, Thomas Built Buses works oneon-one with customers through the entire EV planning and implementation process.

The Largest Electric Bus Order in History

Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. has received an order of about $275,000 for 1,002 buses from Mowasalat, the Qatar public transport company, that will provide commuting services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Seven hundred forty-one will be electric, making it the largest order of EV buses ever.

"Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution, " said Shen Hui, general manager of Yutong Bus in the Middle East. "The KD factory for EV buses with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Mowasalat will realize localized design and manufacturing of EV buses in Qatar, offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation. "

For Yutong Bus, Qatar 2022 will be yet another major international sporting event for which the company has provided service and support following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as well as multiple international conferences such as APEC meetings. With the ability and experience to serve major international events, along with an extraordinary quality of products, Yutong Bus once again wins the trust from client.

As an innovator in the international new energy bus field, Yutong Bus has taken the lead in the research and development of bus energy conservation and new energy exploration. Now it has fully mastered the core technologies in design and manufacturing of new energy empowered vehicle, such as EV bus matching and optimization, system integration and control, and bus wireless charging. Yutong Bus has established the largest manufacturing base of new energy vehicles in China to apply with pioneering technology

Thirty-twonewelectricdouble-deckbuseshavecontributedtocleanerairinandaroundManchester, England. The buses were built by Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group. This is the largest fleetofelectricdouble-deckbusesoutsideofLondon. from its state-leveled research and development center.

Alexander Dennis Electric DoubleDecks in Manchester, England

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD Europe jointly announced on December 8 that 32 electric double deck buses supplied by their electric vehicle partnership to bus operator Stagecoach have contributed to better air quality in Greater Manchester during the region’s pandemic lockdowns, with 600,000 zero emission miles operated to date. ADL is a subsidiary of leading independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. (NFI), while BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility.

ADL and BYD supplied the 32 BYD ADL Enviro400EV to Stagecoach Manchester at the start of the year, with the operator’s own investment in the £16.5 million project supported by the Government’s Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. They are the UK’s largest fleet of zero-emission double deck buses outside the capital.

The clean buses entered service on two high frequency services connecting Manchester city centre, Manchester Airport, five hospitals and two universities just before the coronavirus pandemic led to the first countrywide lockdown.

Stagecoach continued to operate the vehicles throughout this period, deploying them on additional services whenever possible so that further parts of Greater Manchester could benefit from improved air quality thanks to the electric buses’ absence of tailpipe emissions. This operational flexibility has been enabled by the BYD ADL Enviro400EV’s significant range on a single charge, which allows all charging to take place in the depot.

Stagecoach’s UK managing director, Carla Stockton-Jones, comments: “Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk we face today. As operator of Britain’s biggest fleet of buses and coaches, we recognize we have a responsibility to play our part in delivering cleaner air. That’s why we’ve invested £1 billion in 7,000 new greener vehicles and technologies in the past decade, with the new Manchester buses representing one of Europe’s largest single investments in electric buses.

“The biggest way we can address air quality and climate change is not by just replacing one technology for another. It’s by fundamental changes in the way we live and behave. One of the biggest opportunities for our country as part of a strategy to build back better is to switch from cars to more sustainable and healthier public transport and active travel. ” q