The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has placed an order for a new all-electric shuttle bus powered by Motiv Power Systems’ all-electric powertrain, continuing the school’s commitment to sustainability.
Motiv Power Systems, a California-based designer and builder of all-electric powertrains for commercial medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, says UCLA’s zero-emission bus will be the first Motiv-powered shuttle to operate on a university campus. Developed in partnership with Commercial Fleet Financing, the shuttle bus is projected to be delivered in early 2018. The shuttle bus will transport students, patients, and campus visitors between the UCLA Santa Monica and UCLA Westwood health facilities.
“UCLA is leading the way in alternative fuel vehicles, and we’re thrilled to help them further their sustainability goals,” says Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz. “With predictable routes that allow time for a full recharge, our all-electric powertrain is an ideal solution for university campus vehicles, and we look forward to helping more educational institutions realize both the financial and environmental benefits of an all-electric fleet.”
The cost of the shuttle was funded in part by the California Air Resource Board’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The HVIP grant allowed the purchase of the batteries and electric powertrain, providing UCLA a zero-emission shuttle for the same cost as its fossil fuel counterparts, according to Motiv.
UCLA’s shuttle bus will be equipped with a wheelchair lift, space for two wheelchairs, WiFi connectivity and bicycle racks on the outside of the vehicle. Built on Ford’s E450 chassis with a Champion Bus body, the shuttle bus will offer a maximum capacity of 20 passengers, a range of up to 90 miles on a single charge, a 75% charge time of four hours, and a top speed of 60 miles per hour, Motiv adds.
“For 22 years, CFF has taken pride in helping commercial fleets grow through financing, consulting and quality recommendations,” says Liam Lucey, president of Commercial Fleet Financing. “With best-in-class safety, range and driving performance, we found Motiv’s all-electric powertrain to be an ideal solution for this shuttle bus.”
As a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier-approved provider of all-electric powertrains for commercial trucks and buses, Motiv says its powertrain solution works with a wide range of batteries, motors and chassis. Motiv’s powertrain installs on standard truck or bus chassis such that minimal modification to the body and final vehicle design is required and fleets can continue to purchase through their existing providers. The Motiv All-Electric Powertrain also includes universal charging compatibility and secure remote telematics and diagnostics.
In addition to university campuses, shuttle buses equipped with Motiv’s All-Electric Powertrain are ideally suited for corporate, paratransit, parking and other commercial applications. The first set of Motiv-powered shuttle buses were placed in operation for the City of Mountain View, California in 2015. The six buses are free to the public and transport residents and visitors through the city between neighborhoods, shopping centers, medical complexes, city facilities and recreation areas.
Campus photo courtesy of the UCLA website