GILLIG LLC is launching a next-generation energy storage system for its battery electric bus, which will provide up to 686 kWh of available energy.

“We recognized how critical range was to our customers, so we performed an extensive market search to identify a system that provides maximum range for those customers who need it, while also providing for modularity for those with shorter duty cycles,” said Ben Grunat, GILLIG VP, product planning & Strategy. “The new battery delivers a 32 percent increase in onboard energy capacity and therefore a significantly longer range for our customers.”

GILLIG selected AKASOL for its next-generation battery. With available configurations of 490 kWh, 588 kWh, and 686 kWh, together with the largest selection of available charging options, GILLIG can configure the bus to meet any agency’s requirements. GILLIG is partnering with Cummins, who provides the bus’s highly efficient and reliable powertrain system to integrate and validate the new batteries with the bus ahead of the 2023 production start date.

GILLIG’s use of the Low Floor Platform across its product lines helps ensure part commonality, ease of maintenance, and a more seamless integration of electric buses into existing transit fleets. The platform, built on a stainless-steel, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant chassis, provides for greater levels of safety, durability, and quality. The bus also features integrated side impact beams for added safety and quick-change side-skirt panels for ease of maintenance.

GILLIG’s battery electric comes in 35-foot and 40-foot models, with the 35-foot bus carrying 31 seated passengers and a total of 62 passengers, while the 40-foot can transport 38 seated 75 total passengers.