The new zero-emission bus was formally introduced to the industry in Louisville prior to launching on a national tour.

By Mischa Wanek-Libman

Published by Mass Transit: Read the article.

May 22, 2019

May 22, 2019

MISCHA WANEK-LIBMAN/MASS TRANSIT

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Mobility Conference in Louisville, Ky., provided a fitting environment for GILLIG to officially introduce the industry to its newest offering: a 40-foot battery electric bus, powered by Cummins.

The zero-emission bus will join GILLIG’s Low Floor bus platform and brings what GILLIG calls the most comprehensive, advanced battery electric bus to the market.

The bus has a 38-passenger seating capacity and features an energy storage system with a battery capacity of 444 KWh, an electronic cooling package, thermal management system and air disc brakes.

GILLIG President and CEO Derek Maunus thanked GILLIG’s customers for their patience while the company developed this bus over the course of four years. He reminded attendees at the May 20 event that the company isn’t concerned with being first in the market, as long as the product GILLIG brings to the market is done right.  

Maunus explained strong partnerships, such as the one formed with Cummins during the development of the zero-emission vehicle, played a role in the “thoughtful design” of the bus. A Cummins EV Drivetrain, which features remote diagnostics and over-the-air connectivity, will generate power to the bus. Additionally, Cummins nationwide network of service centers will be available for any maintenance concerns.

Cummins Vice President-Electrified Power Julie Furber noted that, like GILLIG, Cummins is determined to deliver the right solution to its customers. The company is investing $500 million into electric power and will center its North American manufacturing and corporate hub for its Electrified Power Business at its Columbus, Ind., plant.

The zero-emission battery electric bus will begin a nationwide tour shortly where transit operators will be able to run the bus on existing routes. Maunus said this up close and hands-on experience will allow operators, maintainers and other agency stakeholders a chance to see the full capabilities of the bus.

GILLIG is currently receiving orders for 40-foot and 35-foot Battery Electric bus models for placement into their production schedule.