NFI Group Inc, a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in mass mobility solutions, has announced that the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has ordered 12 electric buses. The contract is for all-electric sixty-foot articulated Xcelsior CHARGE NG heavy-duty transit buses.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System launched the region’s first zero-emissions bus pilot program back in 2019, and last year set a plan in motion to convert its entire bus fleet to zero-emission by 2040.
Paul Soubry, NFI CEO, said: “In the past 30 years, NFI has delivered over 600 buses to MTS. It was one of the first transit agencies in the US to move to a compressed natural gas bus fleet and is a pioneer in sustainable mobility.
“We are pleased to continue supporting MTS as it drives towards California’s Innovative Clean Transit goal of a 100 percent zero-emission fleet by 2040.”
New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric buses provide up to 525kWh of power and offer up to 250 miles (402km) of range from a single charge.
Chris Stoddart, North American Bus and Coach president, said: “Our zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE NG is equipped with advanced modular battery packaging, long-range batteries, and an innovative lightweight traction drive system.
“With these high-performing technologies onboard, the new buses can meet rigorous operational demands of the MTS fleet, while delivering smooth, quiet, and emission-free transportation to San Diego County.”
NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility with electric vehicles (EVs) operating (or on order) in more than 80 cities in five countries. NFI offers a wide range of zero-emission battery and fuel cell electric buses and coaches.
The company’s vehicles have completed over 40 million electric vehicle service miles. Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through a four-pillar approach that includes buses and coaches, technology, infrastructure and workforce development.
NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (“VIC”), the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 300 interactive events, welcoming 4,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.
