In The News
Electric bus segment is heating up with new entries from VW, New Flyer
Just like other commercial vehicle manufacturers – such as Daimler, Volvo Trucks or Proterra – VW Truck & Bus is set to invest approximately €1.4 billion in the development of electric powertrains, autonomous features and cloud-based software.
The company is seeking an implication in the commercial electric segment with its own EV trucks and busses, across all brands, including Navistar, MAN and Scania. The first VW-Navistar medium-duty electric truck is expected for a 2019 apparition, while VW’s own all-electric, commercial truck – the e-Delivery – will arrive in 2020, with production scheduled to take place at VW’s Brazilian subsidiary. Meanwhile, electric buses are coming from the Man and Scania brands.
Meanwhile, Proterra – the most renowned EV bus producer – is set to expect competition from New Flyer, and its next generation electric bus – the Xcelsior CHARGE, capable of fitting in a 600 kWh battery on the standard 40-foot model. If you think that’s not enough, go for the 60-foot articulated model – which can equip a battery pack of 885 kWh! The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) has already ordered 35 60-foot Xcelsior electric buses with options for another 65 more – and the maker uses technology sourced from well-known companies, such as XALT Energy or A123 Systems for the batteries, and Siemens for the motors.