Equess CHARGE™ harnesses New Flyer EV
technology and ARBOC's proven low-floor platform; expanding
accessible zero-emission mobility in North America
MIDDLEBURY, Ind., Feb. 26, 2021 /CNW/ - (TSX:
NFI) ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC ("ARBOC"), a
subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. ("NFI"), one of the world's leading
independent global bus manufacturers, today announced
the introduction of its battery-electric low-floor
purpose-built bus: the zero-emission Equess CHARGE™.
Available in 30-foot and 35-foot models, the Equess CHARGE™
builds on ARBOC's proven Equess transit bus platform, and utilizes
the in-field electric vehicle technology from New Flyer of America
("New Flyer"), another NFI Group subsidiary. The Equess CHARGE™
combines American made battery technology from XALT, SIEMENS
electric motors (highest torque available for steep grade cities)
with efficient regenerative energy recovery, and charging
infrastructure compliant with industry standards.
"NFI is leading the zero-emission evolution and has over 1,900
electric buses on the road in the United
States and Canada. Today,
we expand NFI's comprehensive suite of sustainable transportation
solutions with our Equess CHARGE," said Doug Minix, General Manager, ARBOC. "We continue
to lead the industry in low-floor, accessible mobility – providing
transportation solutions that improve the environment while
delivering a better experience for passengers through spacious
entranceways, elimination of steps, superior entry ramp ratio, and
a smoother ride."
The new battery-electric Equess CHARGE™ is the latest addition
to NFI's market leading line-up of zero-emission battery-electric
buses and coaches. It also continues ARBOC's history of innovation,
which includes the introduction of the first low-floor cutaways,
being the first to incorporate multiplexing on all products, and
producing the first purpose-built medium-duty bus.
Passengers on the Equess CHARGE™ will experience a smooth ride
and added benefits the Equess design offers. With no steps
throughout the bus, a spacious 39" entrance door opening, and a
superior entry ramp ratio for passengers with mobility assist
devices, the Equess platform offers an enhanced level of
accessibility. The Equess CHARGE™ features a carrying capacity of
up to 33 seated passengers and six wheelchair passengers, all
accomplished by optimized battery placement on the roof of the
vehicle and in a rear compartment. Extended range configurations
allow for up to 437 kWh battery capacity with anticipated transit
ranges of approximately 230 miles on a single charge.
The Equess CHARGE™ will feature the SIEMENS ELFA 3 direct drive
motor and a roof-mounted energy storage system ("ESS") compromised
of 4-5 strings of batteries (dependent on bus length), with each
string housed in an IP67 (weather tight) enclosure. The Equess
CHARGE™ also includes a roof-mounted battery thermal management
system, SIEMENS inverter rack assemblies (with 702 volts primary
and 460 volts secondary), Parker
Vansco electric controls and multiplexing, and will be
compatible with a depot charger with a common CCS Type 1 plug.
The Equess CHARGE™ prototype is complete, and manufacturing of
the 35-foot model will commence early 2021. The first production
bus will then undergo testing through the Federal Transit
Administration's Model Bus Testing Program in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 2021, with production
for distribution anticipated for Q4 of 2021. The Equess CHARGE™
will be distributed exclusively by Creative Bus Sales in
the United States, and by Dynamic
Specialty Vehicles, Crestline Coach, and Creative Carriage in
Canada.
ARBOC's parent, NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility with
battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles operating in more
than 80 cities in four countries that have completed over 20
million electric service miles.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
relating to expected future events and financial and operating
results of the NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable
assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will
be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the
differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially
from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking
statements for a variety of reasons, including those risks and
uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, NFI
Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
About NFI
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the
electrification of mass mobility around the world. With
zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology,
NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility
solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through
connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading
global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands
New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor
coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck
buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor
cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI
currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems
available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and
fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In
total, NFI supports its installed base of over 105,000 buses and
coaches around the world. NFI common shares are traded on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information
is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com,
www.mcicoach.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.arbocsv.com, and
www.nfi.parts.
About ARBOC
ARBOC is North America's
low-floor, body-on-chassis ("cutaway") bus leader serving transit,
paratransit, and shuttle applications. With more than 3,500 buses
produced, ARBOC leads the low-floor cutaway bus market providing
unsurpassed passenger accessibility and comfort. ARBOC also offers
the Equess and Liberty, medium-duty buses for transit and shuttle
applications. Further information is available at
www.arbocsv.com.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.