Grande West Teams with LION, BMW to Electrify Vicinity Buses
The BMW high voltage batteries developed for the BMW i3 will be used for the Vicinity LT EV.

The demonstration Vicinity LT EV is scheduled for delivery to Grande West in Q1 2021.
Vicinity
Grande West Transportation Group Inc. announced it has engaged with LION Smart GmbH to integrate BMW technology as its electric vehicle solution.
The company is launching its new purpose-built Vicinity LT EV bus in the fourth quarter of 2020 and partnering with LION Smart engineering services for development and integration of the power management system. The contract between Grande West and LION Smart includes engineering services covering software, mechanical and electrical adaptation, battery management, and the integration of 400V BMW battery packs into the Vicinity LT EV. As part of this contract, LION Smart is carrying out high-tech work of integrating the BMW battery pack solution.
The demonstration Vicinity LT EV is scheduled for delivery to Grande West in Q1 2021. After successful completion of the development project, subsequent orders for the supply of battery packs in significant quantities are possible for 2021.
The BMW high voltage batteries developed for the BMW i3 will be used for the Vicinity LT EV. The BMW i batteries are a proven EV solution in many applications other than just the i3, with over 100,000 BMW i battery packs sold worldwide.
More Zero Emissions

Ohio’s METRO RTA Turns Electric Buses into Mobile Power Sources at PorchROKR
See how three Gillig battery-electric buses powered festival stages while the agency’s new Park & Ride service carried approximately 1,000 attendees, demonstrating another potential use for transit agencies’ electric fleets.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
California's VVTA Begins Phased Rollout of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses
The agency is introducing 13 zero-emission buses into revenue service while evaluating performance across its urban, rural, and long-distance routes.
Read More →
Inside Look: University at Buffalo Puts First 8 Electric Buses Into Stampede Service
UB, transportation solutions provider WeDriveU, and fleet electrification specialist Zenobē marked the deployment in the presence of students, university administrators, and local officials.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
CTDOT Taps STV for Electric Bus Facility Design
The firm will work with CTDOT and RVT to define the facility layout, operational requirements, and long-term flexibility for RVT’s growing electric fleet.
Read More →
Chicago’s Pace Deploys 24 Hybrid-Electric Buses in Will County
The new buses reduce emissions and fuel consumption while advancing the agency's long-term goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet.
Read More →
DASH Breaks Ground on First On-Route Electric Bus Chargers in D.C. Region
The fast-charging infrastructure will help extend electric bus range, improve fleet utilization, and support DASH's goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet.
Read More →