XALT Powered MCI Zero-Emission Coaches Approved for Maximum California HVIP Purchase Incentive for Each MCI Battery-Electric Coach Sold in the State of California
XALT congratulates Motor Coach Industries (“MCI”), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), one of the world’s largest independent global bus manufacturers, on the announcement that MCI battery-electric D45 CRTe, D45 CRTe LE, and J4500e coaches have been approved by the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) for the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (“HVIP”). All three models have been approved for the highest allowable voucher of $150,000 for each MCI battery-electric coach sold in the State of California.
The approval adds to the existing NFI zero-emission heavy-duty transit buses eligible for vouchers, including New Flyer’s 35, 40, and 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric which are also powered by XALT battery systems. Vouchers for New Flyer’s heavy-duty transit buses range from $120,000 to $300,000 per bus, depending on the model.
“New Flyer has supported California’s zero-emission adoption for years, and today we expand our mass transit bus offering with HVIP eligible MCI coaches,” said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer and MCI. “Building on decades of New Flyer’s electric bus design, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing expertise, both the MCI J4500e and all-accessible MCI D45 CRTe LE battery-electric coach models can offer sustainable transportation, eliminating emissions while delivering high-capacity commuter transit through and between urban destinations. MCI electric coaches use high-torque electric drive systems for operation at highway speeds, have long-distance range applications, and deliver plug-in battery charging to 100 percent in less than four hours.”
By alleviating some of the upfront acquisition costs of battery-electric coaches, operators in California can transition their existing fleets faster to fully sustainable propulsion, enabling an exciting step toward a clean air future creating more livable communities and is a win for everyone.
MCI electric coaches are powered by American-made XALT batteries and integrate the design, performance, and technology of New Flyer’s zero-emission transit buses, while leveraging New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ to deliver smart charging that supports successful electric coach deployment.
New Flyer and MCI have been leading innovation in mobility for 90 years, today supporting North American cities with sustainable buses and coaches, technology, and infrastructure. Together, they also operate the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus technology and providing workforce development through electric bus training, now available online. New Flyer and MCI are also currently developing automated technology to improve safety in public transit.
In July 2020, NFI announced it was combining the New Flyer transit bus and MCI motorcoach businesses.
To read the full press release, please visit MCI’s website here.