Motor Coach Industries (MCI) has introduced its first all-electric over-the-road coach, the D45 CRTe LE CHARGE, designed for long-range express routes and improved accessibility.
As part of the unveiling of the new coach, MCI is touring its new bus throughout California.
“Over the next three months, we’re creating opportunities for private and public transportation leaders in California and other states to test our next-generation D-Series coach, a zero-emission, all-electric vehicle built for the highway,” said Patrick Scully, MCI vice president of sales, marketing and customer service. “This model’s breakthrough in accessibility has the ability to transform express service while helping communities reduce their carbon footprint.”
FlixBus, a city to city express service mobility provider, was the first to send the D45 CRTe LE CHARGE on a Sacramento to San Francisco route for evaluation on Oct. 28. FlixBus is the largest, long-distance, tech-driven mobility provider in Europe that’s now operating in the U.S., according to MCI.
“FlixBus is changing the way people access transportation by applying their innovative model to better connect people to places by bus,” said Brent Maitland, MCI vice president of marketing and product planning. “The iconic brand’s long-distance application presents an ideal format to demonstrate our electric platform because of our roles as mobility solutions providers to mitigate congestion and improve the environment. Our customers know MCI to be reliable in both product and support. And now we’re at the forefront of reliable electric motor coaches.”
On Nov. 1, the bus tour shifts to public transit operators throughout California. Each stop will provide guests a walkthrough of the coach, along with technology review and demo rides along current routes. In turn, MCI will collect data to optimize design and identify recommended charging strategy.
“In all, we will be prepared to deliver a 100 percent electric coach that performs the same or better than our current clean diesel, hybrid and CNG models,” said Tom Wagner, MCI vice president of public sector. “Our electric development has been accelerated with the assistance from our sister company (New Flyer), supporting us with their many years of experience producing electric buses.”
The tour will be the first time the riding public will experience the D45 CRTe LE CHARGE, but industry insiders got a sneak peek Oct. 1 at the Bay Area Reliability Symposium at MCI’s Hayward Service Center.
“We see the electric version of our next generation D-Series model as a game-changer in commuter express transportation at a time when public and private transit operators are considering their zero-emissions options,” Maitland said. “The MCI D45 CRTe LE CHARGE follows our long-range J4500e CHARGE, the electric version of our luxury tour and charter coach with J deliveries beginning in 2020. It’s a lineup that’s ready to lead.”
A new era for MCI and all-electric distance transit
The MCI D45 CRTe LE CHARGE is a major step for the MCI D-Series.
The MCI D45 CRTe LE CHARGE will feature a 750 V high-torque Siemens electric drive motor with 350 HP and maximum torque of 3,320 ft-lb, powered by a 389 kWh energy storage system (also available up to 544 kWh) built on the ultra-high energy NMC lithium-ion cell platform from US-based XALT Energy. To meet long-distance commuter needs, this model’s high-power plug-in battery follows the J1772 interoperability standard, and charges to full in less than 3 hours with a 150 kW in-depot charger.
The model is also equipped with MCI Connect Telematics, a system that measures key performance metrics including distance and time on route, auxiliary systems, along with battery efficiencies related to grade and ambient temperature in real time.
The D45 CRTe LE CHARGE features a low entry vestibule with a seating area and a ramp that significantly improves dwell times and the boarding and ride experience for passengers with disabilities.
MCI will send this battery-electric next-generation D to the Altoona test, required for all new bus models for use in federally funded public transit systems procurement, when the rally concludes. The D range of MCI coaches will be fully Buy America compliant.
