Motiv Power Systems and Creative Bus Sales Inc. are partnering on a new all-electric school bus called the Starcraft e-Quest XL.
The zero-emission school bus will use the Motiv’s electric powertrain, a Ford F-59 chassis and Starcraft body. Features of the e-Quest XL bus include passenger capacity of up to 48, a range of up to 85 miles, and the attainment of a 50% battery charge within two hours, among others.
“Developing more options for all-electric school buses offers more opportunities for school districts to reduce harmful pollutants near children who are especially vulnerable to health impacts from diesel emissions,” says Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz. “We’re thrilled to be working with Creative Bus Sales to help improve conditions for students’ health, save districts on fuel costs, and support California’s environmental goals.”
This partnership will also allow Chino, Calif.-based Green Alternative Systems (GAS) to add Motiv to its portfolio of available alternative fuel systems for fleets across the country.
“After making our mark with compressed natural gas upfits, we are thrilled to be able to collaborate with Motiv and offer an all-electric option to our customers,” said Mark Matijevich, general manager of GAS. “Greening the nation’s fleets is not a one-size-fits-all solution; between CNG, propane and now an all-electric option, we continue to guide schools and commercial fleets towards the best options to fit their operational needs while reducing their carbon footprints.”
In addition to the Ford F-59 chassis, the Motiv powertrain has upfit packages available for the Ford E-450 and Crane Carrier COE2 Class 8 chassis. Like the F-59 all-electric powertrain, these configurations include all of the components needed to transform a chassis from fossil-fuel-powered to zero-emission all-electric drive, including batteries, electric motors, a universal charger and electric power for auxiliary systems.
The Motiv system is professionally installed to OEM standards at the time of the vehicle’s manufacture, the company says.
