Optimal Electric Vehicles, LLC. Partners with Proterra Powered™ for Production of First All-Electric Low-Floor Cutaway Shuttle Bus in North America

Optimal Electric Vehicles, LLC (Optimal-EV) and Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, announced a new partnership to leverage Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology and charging systems for the development of the industry’s first all-electric S1LF low-floor shuttle bus for the North American market.

Optimal-EV’s S1LF will utilize Proterra’s high-performance battery systems, which have industry-leading energy density for maximum range, a flexible design to fit within a wide variety of vehicles, and rigorous pack level validation to ensure safe and durable vehicle operation. The Proterra® battery system powering the S1LF will feature 113 kWh of energy capacity and an all-electric, zero-emission drive system that is designed to enable more than 125 miles of driving range. The vehicle can fully charge in about two hours with optional DC fast charging. The all-electric S1LF integrates a Ford E450 chassis platform, which has been fully optimized for the vehicle body. The all-electric S1LF will feature a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,500 pounds, with no reduction in carrying capacity.

“Electric vehicles offer a smoother, quieter rider experience while producing zero tailpipe emissions for improved air quality and public health. Optimal is expanding the accessibility of EV technology to more riders by introducing the industry’s first all-electric low-floor shuttle bus,”

said Dan Daniels Optimal’s COO.

“Proterra’s expertise and experience in battery-electric transit buses makes them an ideal and trusted partner for Optimal as we deliver this new product.”

The S1LF will debut at the APTA EXPO 2021, and be available for commercial purchase in 2021. The S1LF is the first of several planned commercial electric vehicles from Optimal-EV for use in a variety of applications.

“Commercial urban fleets are an ideal use case for EV technology and we are excited to partner with Optimal to achieve a major milestone for the North American electric vehicle market,”

said Proterra CEO Jack Allen.

“Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology has been proven in more than 12 million miles of service with our transit buses across North America. Now, we look forward to providing the same industry-leading technology to power the first all-electric S1LF low-floor shuttle bus with Optimal.”

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About Optimal-EV.

Optimal-EV is the market leader in the design, validation and manufacturing of zero-emission electric low-floor shuttle buses. Their suite of low-floor vehicle configurations and equipment options are quiet and ecologically efficient, making them ideal for the seamless migration of your current fleet to being zero-emission. Optimal’s journey into vehicle electrification began in 2015, with the integrated 33 years of automotive design/development and superior CAE (computer aided engineering) optimization skills, and is now augmented by a seasoned bus manufacturing operations team. Leveraging multi-industry insight and innovative approach to engineering and vehicle manufacturing, they identify and integrate the best industry solutions for the customers. Optimal proudly designs, engineers and manufactures vehicles in America, with our engineering and research center in Plymouth, Michigan and manufacturing center in Elkhart, Indiana.

For more information, visit: www.optimal-ev.com

Media contact: pr@optimal-ev.com

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About Proterra

Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission electric transit vehicles and EV technology solutions for commercial applications. Proterra provides a suite of products, services and financing options for a seamless transition to clean, quiet, battery-electric fleets. Designed for durability, safety and energy efficiency and validated by rigorous U.S. independent testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in America, with offices in Silicon Valley, South Carolina, and Los Angeles.

For more information, visit: http://www.proterra.com and follow us on Twitter @Proterra_Inc.​​​​​​​

Media contact: pr@proterra.com

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