Publication Date: November 3, 2022
Livermore, Calif.— GILLIG LLC, the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the
US, announced that 45 transit agencies have chosen to partner with GILLIG to utilize their
federal awards to invest in GILLIG's clean-energy buses for their fleets.
These awards were made possible through Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 's annual Buses and Bus Facilities and Low- and No-Emission (Low-No) Vehicle programs. These dovetailed programs were developed in 2016 to support upgrading and expanding public mass transit fleets, improving bus facilities, and for the Low-No program specifically, funding the transition from older higher-emissions vehicles to more efficient, less polluting fleets.
With a remarkable $1.66 billion available, FTA's competitive grant process selected 150 projects across 48 states and territories. Out of the 115 projects that include the acquisition of new vehicles, 1100 new zero-emissions vehicles will join America's transit systems, nearly doubling the current no-emission transit buses in-service. This historic level of funding was made possible by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as through other Federal investments aimed at increasing access to public transit and decreasing overall carbon emissions.
Selected by nearly half of all bus-acquisition projects, GILLIG plays a crucial role in fulfilling
the goals of these FTA programs. GILLIG's portfolio of clean-tech buses provides transit
agencies with a range of solutions that align with the purposes of FTA's Low-No Emissions
program. With GILLIG's proven platform supporting CNG, Hybrid-Electric, Clean Diesel, and
Battery Electric options, customers can utilize their funding as it best serves their unique transit system's needs.
"We are honored to be the trusted partner for each of these awarded agencies, and we look
forward to celebrating the impact these new buses will have in their communities," said Bill Fay, GILLIG's Vice President of Sales. "GILLIG buses have long set the standard of quality and reliability for American public transit. This historic funding will allow GILLIG and our partners throughout America to shape a greener, cleaner future of our nation's public transit systems."
Fitting the trends of transit agencies shifting to cleaner, lower-emission technology, nearly half of GILLIG's partnerships are utilizing Low-No funding to purchase GILLIG's zero-emissions Battery Electric Bus. This third-generation iteration of their Battery Electric Bus, dubbed the Gen3, is built on the same proven platform durability as previous generations but now has a battery capacity of up to 686 kWh, as well as increased compatibility with depot and opportunity modular charging solutions, including plug-in, overhead conductive, and wireless inductive charging options.
The Gen 3 Battery Electric bus is built on the industry-proven Low-Floor platform shared across all GILLIG's bus products, ensuring a high degree of operator and mechanic familiarity and part commonality. But with the all-new battery capacity, this next generation offers a 32% increase from previous models, ensuring customers do not have 'range anxiety' as they work to reduce their fleet's emissions.
The advancement in capacity and range is a result of GILLIG's new partnership with the modular lithium-ion battery manufacturer AKASOL. AKASOL's ultra-high energy batteries have industry-leading proprietary safety features and offer various scalable capacity configurations. Alongside the new batteries reducing concerns about range, GILLIG offers customers further support by creating customized charging solutions to be fulfilled with their new Battery Electric Buses.
The GILLIG team works with each customer to tailor their charging solution to the optimal
equipment based on their duty cycle and operational needs. They offer a variety of GILLIG compatible chargers supplied by the largest and most experienced electric vehicle supply
manufacturers in the US. Every product meets the latest SAE International standards, and
GILLIG independently validates each charger to ensure compatibility.
The FTA allows awardees to utilize funds for supportive Zero-Emissions infrastructure. By
choosing GILLIG's charging solutions, the awardees have the peace of mind that their new
Battery Electric Buses can start serving the public from day one. Coupled with GILLIG's legacy of quality and durability, customers can be confident in their stewardship of this historic investment into a cleaner future for America's mass transit systems.
About GILLIG LLC
GILLIG is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States. We offer a range of low and zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero emission compressed natural gas, and clean diesel. Since 1890, our quality and commitment to customers have been our utmost priority, all while we continually innovate and integrate leading edge technology to create transformative mass transit solutions.
From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built by Americans in Livermore, California. Our team is devoted to building and supporting the safest and most reliable transit buses in the United States and leading the way to a more sustainable future for mass transportation. Our products help reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment, connect communities, and provide mobility to all. GILLIG is proud to create American jobs and recycle tax dollars into the community. To find further information about GILLIG, visit www.gillig.com.