BAE Systems unveils next generation of full battery electric power and propulsion system

Oct. 25, 2019
The new Series EV system user fewer, lighter and more compact components.

BAE Systems released its Series EV system as its next-generation full battery electric power and propulsion system for transit buses. The company says the system positions cities around the world to get to zero transportation emissions and improve the range and efficiency of their electric transit bus fleets.

"Many cities are striving to get to zero emissions with their bus fleets and we are committed to supporting them with all-electric solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations," said Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. "Our Series-EV system provides operators with a highly reliable and low-cost battery electric option that not only gives them more flexibility and capability but allows them to completely eliminate emissions on their bus fleets."

The Series-EV system is a more modular approach to electric propulsion and uses fewer, lighter and more compact components, which BAE Systems says makes it easy to install and reduces the need for future maintenance. The company notes that boosting the distance of a single charge is made possible due to the system’s light weight and reduced number of connections. BAE Systems notes that as part of this unique design, it also allows operators to customize based on their propulsion or accessory power requirements.

The Series-EV system builds on BAE Systems’ decades of experience in the development and integration of electric hybrid propulsion systems and accessories. The new system eliminates the need for a combustion engine and instead uses electric motors, controls and batteries to create a clean and emission-free mode of public transportation.

BAE Systems has more than 10,000 electric-hybrid systems in service around the globe including major cities such as Paris, London, New York and San Francisco. The company says every year its systems travel more than 330 million miles and transport nearly 2 billion people. The company explains its electric propulsion systems are contributing to a cleaner world by saving more than 22 million gallons of fuel and eliminating 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year across the globe – the equivalent of taking 42,000 cars off the road or planting 4 million trees.

BAE Systems' propulsion systems will be part of the new LFSe+ electric bus from Nova Bus that was unveiled during the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform Conference in New York City earlier this month. 

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.