MCI Unveils Battery-Electric D45 CRT Charge

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) unveiled its new zero-emission, battery-electric high-floor commuter coach — the D45 CRTCHARGE™.

The D45 CRT CHARGE™ — a zero-emission version of the D45 Commuter Rapid Transit (CRT) series public transit coach — integrates CHARGE propulsion from New Flyer, including regenerative braking, and features design advancements of MCI's next generation D45 CRT commuter transit coaches, including enhanced reliability, efficiency, and high performance.

“The D45 CRT CHARGE marks the eighth unique zero-emission bus (ZEB) the NFI Group has introduced in the past two years. Our market-leading electric vehicle (EV) portfolio continues to expand, demonstrating NFI’s undeniable leadership in the electrification of mass mobility,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “With electric drive components, MCI’s smooth-riding suspension, and real-time smart analytics on board, this fully accessible coach delivers an outstanding combination of performance and sustainability benefits to transit operators.”

The Buy America-compliant D45 CRT CHARGE™ harnesses three high-performing technologies to deliver a more efficient and sustainable commuter vehicle, including a high-torque electric drive system delivering up to 90% energy recovery and designed to efficiently handle long-distance applications at highway speeds; next generation, high-energy, long-range batteries delivering a range of over 225 miles with 520 kWh of battery capacity; and interoperable plug-in battery charging from empty to full in less than four hours, according to MCI.

The D45 CRT CHARGE™ uses the same interoperable charging equipment that supports all heavy-duty electric vehicles and leverages NFI Infrastructure Solutions™, a full suite service providing project management for smart mobility projects. The D45 CRT CHARGE™ is also equipped with NFI Connect™, an exclusive, advanced telematics solution providing real-time oversight of an entire fleet, improving bus uptime, and lowering operating costs.

The launch continues MCI’s vision to bring its common coach architecture to the market, which includes the new D45 CRT and the other D series models, including the D4520 for private sector operations. The common platform was initially launched with the J4500, which is now available in zero-emission and clean diesel and brings best in class legroom and common vehicle systems for improved quality and ease of maintenance.

All MCI coaches are backed by MCI support services, including in-field expertise, a technical call center, and 24/7 roadside assistance; ongoing technical training at an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-accredited MCI Academy technician training center; parts support from NFI Parts™; MCI Service Centers; and finally, on-the-go support with the MCI Operators App and MCI Companion App.