Siemens, DesignLine reach supplier agreement

Siemens Industry Inc.’s Drive Technologies Division finalized a supplier agreement to provide electric drive propulsion system components for Charlotte, N.C.-based DesignLine.

Through this relationship with DesignLine, Siemens will provide permanent magnet excited motors, inverters and voltage protection modules to support the rear-axle drive systems of seven new all-electric buses being manufactured by DesignLine for the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

In May, DesignLine announced a $5.9 million deal with STM for the purchase of all-electric “midi buses.” Capable of carrying 36 people, each midi bus will feature low floors for easy rider access and have a range of approximately 100 miles on a single charge.

The buses, which are expected to be delivered by mid-2013, should operate in Old Montreal. The STM has strategic plans that call for more electric vehicles, thus helping to reduce and/or eliminate both noise levels and emissions.