New Flyer's zero-emission battery-electric
next generation transit bus delivers better energy recovery, more
passenger capacity, simplified design, waterproof battery
packaging, and better system durability
ST. CLOUD, Minn., March 15, 2021 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) (OTC: NFYEF)
New Flyer of America Inc. ("New Flyer"), a subsidiary of NFI Group
Inc. ("NFI" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading
independent global bus manufacturers, today unveiled its next
generation battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ heavy-duty transit
bus, built on the proven Xcelsior® platform.
Based on North America's first
low-floor transit bus introduced by New Flyer in 1991, the Xcelsior
was launched in 2009, and over 16,000 have been delivered to date.
The battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ and fuel cell-electric
Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ models have delivered more than 4.5 million
service miles to date, and this next generation electric bus
applies NFI's expertise and ingenuity in zero-emission vehicle
design and performance.
The Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ incorporates three distinct technology
advancements to deliver a high-performance bus, including next
generation high-energy batteries that extend range up to 13%,
advanced protective battery packaging designed for easy install and
simpler serviceability, and a new lightweight electric traction
drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.
"The Xcelsior CHARGE NG harnesses the best technology on the
market. It includes a streamlined design that reduces maintenance,
increases energy density, and improves energy recovery while
significantly reducing weight, offering a lighter, more energy
efficient, and longer-range electric bus," said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer and MCI.
"As EV demand continues to build, so too has our innovation. With
better manufacturability, higher energy recovery, fewer parts, and
improved system durability, our Xcelsior CHARGE NG is a
high-performance bus that is more sustainable and easier to
maintain."
New Flyer manufactures its own batteries in its bus production
facilities. The battery packaging, developed by New Flyer, utilizes
single waterproof enclosure design and offers weight reduction and
simpler maintenance, decreasing the number of parts by 90%. Its
streamlined approach also allows technicians to simply "plug in" or
"unplug" individual battery packs, significantly reducing bus
downtime and allowing easy replacement as needed in future.
High-energy, long-range batteries utilize an active liquid
cooling system to maintain temperature and respond quickly to
increases in power demand and environmental loads. The batteries
are also better insulated, lending optimal temperature maintenance,
prolonged battery life, and greater power efficiency. Finally, the
Siemens ELFA 3 traction system delivers up to 90% energy recovery
and weighs 69% less than ELFA 2, allowing greater passenger
capacity and lending more efficient design through compact
inverters and embedded drive controllers.
"Millions of people count on us every day, whether for reaching
their destinations or expecting the highest quality from our
technology," said Jennifer McNeill,
Vice President of Public Sector Sales and Marketing, New Flyer and
MCI. "This is why, alongside vehicle technology advancements, we
have evolved our manufacturing and field services processes to
ensure a safe, reliable, scalable approach to be ready for
tomorrow's growing electric bus demand today. In turn, we also
enhanced training for our teams and those of transit agencies
across North America, enabling EV
adoption while supporting continuous workforce development to drive
the new mobility era."
To provide workforce development on Xcelsior CHARGE NG™
technologies, NFI will host a no cost virtual training session on
May 26, 2021, through the Vehicle
Innovation Center ("VIC"). To register for the VIC session or to
learn more about the Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ battery-electric bus,
visit newflyer.com/NG.
NFI Group is a leader and innovator in zero-emission mobility.
The Company's battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles are
in more than 80 cities in four countries and have completed over 20
million electric service miles. NFI has the broadest offering of
electric vehicles including medium- and heavy-duty transit buses,
motor coaches and double-deck buses. NFI subsidiary New Flyer
continues to lead the North American evolution to zero-emission
with sustainable buses, technology, and comprehensive
infrastructure through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™, which
provides safe and reliable infrastructure services for sustainable
mobility projects. For information on infrastructure services,
visit newflyer.com/infrastructuresolutions.
"The Xcelsior CHARGE NG represents another exciting new
electric-vehicle product launch for NFI that further cements our
position as the leader in zero-emission mobility in all of our core
markets," said Paul Soubry,
President and Chief Executive Officer, NFI. "The future is
electric, and NFI is leading the ZEvolution by
offering the widest range of battery- and fuel-cell electric buses
and coaches. As a full-service solutions provider, NFI incorporates
infrastructure installation, vehicle manufacturing, telematics and
diagnostics, and full parts and service aftermarket support to best
serve our customers."
NFI also operates the VIC, the first and only innovation lab of
its kind dedicated to advancing bus technology and providing
essential workforce development through electric bus training, now
available online. For information on the VIC, visit
newflyer.com/VIC.
About NFI
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the
electrification of mass mobility around the world. With
zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology,
NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility
solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through
connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading
global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands
New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches),
Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton
(motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses),
and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of
sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission
electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric
hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base
of over 105,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI common
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com,
www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com,
www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.
About New Flyer
New Flyer is North America's
heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product
line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. It also
offers infrastructure development through New Flyer Infrastructure
Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and
reliable charging and mobility solutions. New Flyer actively
supports over 35,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and
Orion) currently in service, of which 8,600 are powered by electric
motors and battery propulsion and 1,900 are zero-emission. Further
information is available at www.newflyer.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements which
reflect the expectations of management regarding New Flyer's and
NFI's strategic initiatives, new products, plans and opportunities,
including the development and future production and sale of the
next generation Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ and the benefits and
improvements related to the new product. The words
"believes", "views", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends",
"projects", "forecasts", "estimates", "guidance" and "targets",
"may", "will", and similar expressions, are intended to identify
forward looking statements.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable
assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will
be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the
differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially
from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking
statements for a variety of reasons, including, market and general
economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding
availability for customers to purchase the Xcelsior CHARGE NG™; the
Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ is a prototype vehicle which is currently being
developed and there is no production model yet available for sale
to customers; there may not be sufficient customer demand for the
Xcelsior CHARGE NG™, or at all, in order to commence or maintain
manufacturing for the new product; the expected economic,
efficiency, better manufacturability, lower weight, increased range
and other benefits and improvements of the product described in
this release may not be as great as those anticipated or may not be
realized at all; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in
the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory
authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the
potential impact of these factors, NFI disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
unless required by applicable law.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.