ABC, Lightning Systems launch repowered electric powertrains partnership

Under a new partnership, ABC Companies and Lightning Systems launched a joint project that will repower electric powertrains for Van Hool models, including a T2145 highline touring coach and a TDX high-capacity double-deck coach. The ABC/Lightning Systems repower program is currently the only repower option available for coaches in the U.S.

Lightning Systems’ electric drivetrain integrations feature active thermal management of the batteries, which ensure optimal performance in all conditions, while advanced regenerative braking technology improves the vehicles’ overall efficiency. In addition, Lightning Analytics, the near-real-time data capture and analysis platform from Lightning Systems, gives fleet operators a deep insight into the performance and health of the vehicles in their fleets.

GreenPower delivers 3 EV Stars to SacRT for microtransit program

GreenPower Motor Company Inc. delivered three EV Star All-Electric Min-eBuses, equipped with curbside wheelchair lifts to the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) at the end of December 2019.

The delivery follows the prior delivery of six EV Stars to SacRT earlier last year. SacRT is utilizing the buses in its ride-share transit service called SmaRT Ride, in which customers request shuttle service with a smartphone app. SacRT is expanding microtransit in its service area and plans to offer the SmaRT Ride shuttle service across 12 Sacramento communities.

SacRT selected GreenPower to build the EVs after the transit agency was awarded a multi-million dollar investment in battery electric buses, shuttles, and charging infrastructure by Electrify America LLC as part of its larger Green City Initiative.

Wash.'s Link Transit, Momentum Dynamics extend EV charging partnership

Following the successful introduction and operation of a wirelessly-charged bus in 2018, Momentum Dynamics Corporation and Wenatchee, Wash.’s Link Transit extended their relationship with a new five-year agreement. Through this first-of-a-kind partnership, Momentum Dynamics will provide further charging systems and ongoing services for Link Transit’s growing fleet of electric buses.

Link Transit and Momentum share the State of Washington’s desire to reduce carbon emissions and the transit company plans to migrate to emissions-free electric buses as soon as possible. Link Transit’s Fleet Electrification plan includes route expansion, increased on-route frequency of service, strategic upgrades to electrify its bus fleet, and a new suite of online ridership tools. As part of the plan, Link will add 10 new electric buses to its fleet in 2020, all of which will be fitted with Momentum Dynamics’ wireless charging receivers. As part of the agreement, Momentum will provide three new on-route charging stations, each capable of delivering 300kW.

In 2018, Link Transit commissioned the nation’s first 200-kilowatt wireless charging system for a battery-electric transit bus from Momentum Dynamics. The system has been operational on a BYD K9S bus since then. Since installation, the system has delivered an impressive total power of 41MWh for its vehicle charging.