ANNISTON, AL, Jan. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer of
America Inc. ("New Flyer"), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.
("NFI"), the largest bus manufacturer in North America, today announced the
introduction of Connect 360™ – its real-time, cloud-based business
analytics dashboard for Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric buses,
operated by New Flyer Connect® ("CONNECT").
First introduced in 2011 and since installed on over 6,500 New
Flyer transit buses across North
America, CONNECT is a key part of New Flyer's commitment to
developing the future of mobility. Connect 360™ is an enhanced and
added feature, specifically engineered to track battery-electric,
zero-emission bus (ZEB) performance using secure cloud-based
technology. Connect 360™ analytics can be retrieved 24/7 via
laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone device using the new CONNECT
mobile app; becoming the industry's first application of Internet
of Things (IoT) electric bus technology to smart mobility.
Key business analytics provided by Connect 360™ include battery
state-of-charge, outside air temperature trends, GPS location and
average speeds, HVAC energy consumption per mile, regenerative
braking, range achieved and remaining, and energy consumption
(kWh/mile). Benefits of Connect 360™ business analytics provide
operators additional range capability with ideal driver
performance, decision-making information to optimize charging
strategies, and intelligence on how to preserve battery energy
throughout the day; all resulting in reduced operating cost and
maximum fleet utilization. To date, Connect 360™ remains the only
reporting technology of its kind for battery-electric buses in
North America.
Connect 360™ is included on every new Xcelsior CHARGE™ ZEB and
provides full-circle perspective on ZEB operational performance,
helping transit agencies better understand the new technology as
they transition from traditional to zero-emission fleets. Agencies
can now translate data into visually intuitive graphs and
measurements, helping to optimize the ultimate performance
capability of a ZEB fleet in addition to benefiting all aspects of
bus operation – from bus drivers to passengers, and maintenance to
scheduling teams.
"We are is proud to build on the success of New Flyer Connect
with Connect 360, offering analytics that make our zero-emission
buses are even more efficient, reliable, and sustainable," said
Chris Stoddart, President, New
Flyer. "New Flyer continues to evolve its analytics technology as
public transit becomes increasingly optimized for smart, connected
cities. By introducing Connect 360, we expand insight,
intelligence, and efficiency for operating battery-electric transit
buses, which transit agencies across America can leverage to help
integrate zero-emission buses into their fleets, and to improve
data-driven sustainability in overall operation."
Key analytics for Connect 360™ were developed through New
Flyer's Vehicle Innovation Center ("VIC"), North America's first and only lab of
its kind opened late 2017 and dedicated to advancing bus and coach
technology. The VIC offers a hands-on learning lab that explains
connected technology, interprets Connect 360™ analytics and
visuals, and provides a life-sized Xcelsior CHARGE™ transit bus
simulator where users can experience Connect 360™ in action.
New Flyer Connect® is New Flyer's cloud-based
telematic technology that communicates real-time GPS and analytic
data to optimize bus performance, driver efficiency, safety, and
preventative maintenance.
NFI has over 50 years experience manufacturing zero-emission
transit buses. In 2018, New Flyer became the first bus manufacturer
in the world to sign on to the Shared Mobility Principles for
Livable Cities, joined CharIN to support industry charging
standards for all electric vehicles, became the first licensee
outside the Volvo Group to join OppCharge in North America, signed CALSTART's Global
Commercial Drive to Zero to support fast-tracking adoption of clean
trucks and buses, and also signed the Transportation
Electrification Accord focused on driving an equitable and
prosperous future for electrified transportation.
For more information on Connect 360™, visit
www.newflyer.com/connect.
About NFI
With over 6,000 team members, operating from 31 facilities
across Canada and the United States, NFI is North America's largest bus manufacturer
providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions
under brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses),
ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses),
MCI® (motor coaches), and NFI Parts™ (parts, support,
and service). NFI buses incorporate the widest range of drive
systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas,
diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley,
battery, and fuel cell) on proven bus platforms. In total, NFI
supports over 74,000 buses and coaches currently in service across
North America. For the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2017, NFI posted
revenues of US $2.4 billion. NFI
common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol NFI. News and information are available at
www.nfigroup.com.
About New Flyer
New Flyer is North America's
heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product
line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands.
New Flyer actively supports over 41,000 heavy-duty transit buses
(New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 7,300
are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,600 are
zero-emission. Further information is available at
www.newflyer.com.
SOURCE New Flyer of America Inc.