Large-scale passenger transport took an important step towards sustainability thanks to the U.S. company Lightning eMotors, which has manufactured a powerful double-decker electric bus with a high-performance battery that can deliver up to 640 kWh. It is called the Van Hool TD925.
The unit is capable of carrying 70 seated passengers on a 200-mile (320-kilometer) journey with a single full power refueling. The electric bus has been developed in cooperation with ABC Companies, Lightning eMotors’ distribution partner. The U.S. firm claims that it is the largest unit of its kind in the world.
The 640 kWh battery pack provides long travels, but at the same time takes a considerable amount of time to fully recharge. Despite the 150 kW power system that has been included, the bus needs 6 six hours to recover its autonomy. However, this can be solved by recharging during idle times (at night).
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The Van Hool TD925 Electric Bus will serve as a transportation unit in Anaheim, California, for Lux Bus America, which is a company owned by All Board America. It is expected to hit the roads by late November of this year.
Lightning eMotors assures that this type of large, environmentally friendly and spacious means of transportation has become a practical solution for transporting corporate employees or university students on their respective campuses to eliminate private vehicles that still use fossil fuels.
Another advantage offered by the vehicle is that the same chassis and body can be maintained, allowing only for the replacement of the propulsion system, which represents a significant cost reduction compared to assembling an electric bus from scratch.
About Lightning eMotors
Lightning eMotors produces electric fleets of heavy and medium-duty vehicles, including delivery trucks, shuttle buses, passenger vans, chassis cab models and city buses. Lightning products include elegantly integrated all-electric propulsion systems for Ford Transit 350HD cargo and passenger vans, Ford E-450 shuttle bus and cutaway models, Ford F-59 step/meal van, Ford F-550 trucks and cargo buses, Chevrolet 6500XD Low Cab Forward Model and 30-, 35- and 40-foot transit buses.
The team works with forward-thinking fleets to provide the right electric powertrain in the right chassis in the right drive cycle. Lightning products improve a fleet’s operating costs and safety and ensure they are powering the cleanest, most advanced technology available. Headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, the company has an office in San Diego.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
