The purpose of this project is to develop, build, field, and operate a prototype electric shuttle bus that uses Motiv Power Systems, Inc.'s electric Powertrain Control System and has more than 100 miles of all electric range. The scope is to develop, create and deploy a single prototype vehicle conversion platform for the above purpose. The shuttle will support the future development of medium-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles on traditional diesel truck assembly lines. Multiple battery packs and battery designs will be installed and operated concurrently on the shuttle.
The project resulted in the successful development of the first generation of the Motiv Power Systems, Inc. electric Powertrain Control System. It was designed, built and tested on a 20 passenger shuttle bus. This shuttle exceeded the planned engineering goals. The shuttle was operated for 1,500 miles with data collection. The project completed the scope and purpose of this Grant as shown by the above results. The team recommends support to help pilot the technology on a traditional truck assembly line with a "Beta" fleet of varied medium-duty and heavy-duty buses and trucks.
The team also recommends supporting a pilot assembly line for the manufacture of the Motiv Power Systems Inc. electric Powertrain Control System, which will create jobs in California for the manufacture of the systems and the assembly, service, and support of truck chassis equipped with the systems.
