MCI Plans E-Coach In 2020

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), the U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI), unveiled a new commuter coach at the APTA show in Atlanta. The new MCI D45 CRT LE coach will be available in a diesel engine version in the fourth quarter of 2018, with an all-electric version to be released in 2020.

The electric D45 CRT LE will utilize a high-torque Siemens 2130 lb. ft. electric drive system for operation at highway speeds with a planned range to meet long-distance commuter applications. The vehicle will  allow for high power plug-in battery EV charging to 100% in under three hours, the company said.

“Battery technology and performance improves seemingly every day,” said Tom Wagner, MCI vice president of Public Sector. “Each agency has its own range requirement and charging strategy. “As New Flyer, our sibling under the NFI Group, is already an experienced manufacturer in electric vehicle technology, MCI can rapidly become the leader in 100% electric coach technology.”

New Flyer manufactures all three current types of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) including battery-electric, trolley-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.

For more information: www.mcicoach.com