ARBOC, a bus manufacturing company has announced its latest electric bus, the Equess CHARGE. ARBOC is a subsidiary to NFI Group Inc. The bus is purposed built for easy accessibility for physically impaired passenger. With a low floor, no internal steps, a wide entry and an entry ramp, the electric bus should pose no problems for wheelchair users. It would take 33 sitting passengers and six wheel chairs.
To achieve this enhanced level of accessibility, ARBOC had to put the battery packs on the roof and rear compartment. The energy storage system uses a series of batteries that are sealed tightly. The battery, which is supplied by XALT can be configured up to 437 kWh, with 230 miles range. The electric motor is supplied Siemens.
The Equess CHARGE will be available in 35 foot or 30 foot models. ARBOC is done with the prototyping and production will start fourth quarter of 2021. Testing by the Federal Transit Administration will is scheduled to start soon in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Exclusive distributors for the bus are Creative Bus Sales in the US and Dynamic Specialty Vehicles. Crestline Coach and Creative Carriage in Canada.
ARBOC has manufactured and delivered more than 3,500 buses. It is building the Equess CHARGE on its Equess transit bus platform.
General Manager of ARBOC, Doug Minix, said: “Providing innovative transit solutions for over 90 years, NFI is leading the zero-emission evolution with over 1,900 electric buses on the road in the United States and Canada. Today, we expand NFI’s comprehensive suite of sustainable transportation solutions with our Equess CHARGE. With the Equess CHARGE, we continue to lead the industry in low-floor, accessible mobility – providing transportation solutions that improve the environment while delivering a better experience for passengers through spacious entranceways, elimination of steps, superior entry ramp ratio, and a smoother ride.”
NFI the parent company has been operating alternative fuel buses in many cities. It is a global leader in the electrification of mass transit, with staff all over the world.