UCLA Gets Smarter and Greener, Orders All-Electric Shuttle Bus

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is getting greener after placing an order for a new 100% electric shuttle bus powered by Motiv Power Systems’ All-Electric Powertrain.

This zero-emission electric shuttle bus represents the first Motiv powered shuttle bus to operate on a university campus. Developed in partnership with Commercial Fleet Financing, the electric shuttle bus is projected to be delivered in early 2018. The shuttle bus will transport students, patients, and campus visitors between the UCLA Santa Monica and UCLA Westwood health facilities.

“UCLA is leading the way in alternative fuel vehicles, and we’re thrilled to help them further their sustainability goals,” said Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz. “With predictable routes that allow time for a full recharge, our All-Electric Powertrain is an ideal solution for university campus vehicles, and we look forward to helping more educational institutions realize both the financial and environmental benefits of an all-electric fleet.”

The cost of the shuttle was funded in part by the California Air Resource Board’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The HVIP grant allowed the purchase of the batteries and electric powertrain, providing UCLA a zero-emission shuttle for the same cost as its fossil fuel counterparts.

UCLA’s shuttle bus will be equipped with a wheelchair lift, space for two wheelchairs, WiFi connectivity and bicycle racks on the outside of the vehicle. Built on Ford’s E450 chassis with a Champion Bus body, the shuttle bus will offer a maximum capacity of 20 passengers, a range of up to 90 miles on a single charge, a 75% charge time of four hours, and a top speed of 60 miles per hour.

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