ABC Companies successfully completed a cross-country road trip aboard the battery-electric Van Hool TDX25E Double Decker motorcoach — demonstrating the vehicle range and strength of battery technology to meet the needs of motorcoach customers.

Beginning at ABC’s Winter Garden, Fla., headquarters and ending at ABC’s Costa Mesa, Calif., facility, the route included elevations more than 5,000 feet, passage through mountain crossings, and a variety of road and climate conditions over 2,500 miles. This is the company’s longest EV road test demonstration to date, surpassing a recently conducted 1,700-mile road test throughout the Northern California and Pacific Northwest region. The new EV double deck model completed the 2,500-mile journey, over six days utilizing public charging stations along the route. Like the CX45E vehicles in commercial operation, the TDX25E performed as anticipated, readily meeting projections for range, commercial charging capability, energy recovery and more.

The TDX25E production vehicle used in the demo is the first of its kind in North America, developed with and brought to market by ABC Companies to meet customer demand for higher-capacity, zero-emissions transport.

“Our 56-passenger CX45E, introduced in 2020 provided the inspiration and the impetus for fast-track development and deployment of the new double-deck TDX25E,” said Roman Cornell, president and CCO ABC Companies. “Demand for these vehicles is very strong in many markets, and our technology partners, Van Hool and Proterra, have clearly demonstrated their ability to translate those demands into real-world solutions that can quickly integrate into fleets and provide reliable, repeatable results.”

The premium TDX25E double deck passenger coach is the battery electric version of the eco-friendly, high-capacity TDX series. With premium passenger accommodations and amenities for up to 69 passengers, the TDX25E increases passenger capacity to further reduce traffic congestion and emissions, while providing industry-leading range in an ADA compliant model designed for exceptional comfort, functionality, and style.

The 45-foot coach integrates the industry leading energy dense battery system from Proterra, with a Siemens ELFA II powertrain to provide a quiet, smooth zero-emissions ride and plenty of power for efficient, dependable operation. ABC Companies Fleet Electrification Services captured real-time data for the duration of the trip. The new TDX25E averaged an impressive 2.08kWh/mile for highway travel.

Capable of a 71-mph top speed, the TDX averaged 60 mph during the demonstration. Total projected range per charge averaged 260 miles during the trip, while temperatures varied from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The charging rate of up to 147 kWh enabled short charging times, averaging just 3.5 hours. With a total storage capacity of 676 kWh, the coach never fell below 8% state of charge during the trip.