Trans Tech eTrans goes on N.Y. tour

Trans Tech Bus’ eTrans all-electric school bus is making a stop during its upstate New York tour at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday.

The stop is for a government VIP and media ride-along, according to Trans Tech President Dan Daniels.

“We are excited about the Albany debut of our eTrans all-electric school bus,” Daniels said. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the future of pupil transportation. We are proud of the fact that we are building the eTrans in New York state; we feel New York can still be a place where innovative companies can set the standard for the world.”

Trans Tech Bus is building its eTrans all-electric school bus at its manufacturing facility in Warwick using an electric chassis from Smith Electric Vehicles.

The eTrans has Trans Tech Bus’ distinctive aerodynamic design and is able to carry up to 52 passengers. It runs on a 120kw induction motor, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 60 mph.

The school bus reportedly has a trip range of approximately 120 to 130 miles per charge from its two lithium-ion batteries, depending on load and driving conditions. The recharging system allows the school bus to recharge almost anywhere, taking approximately six to eight hours to fully charge, according to the company.

The eTrans produces zero emissions; it is also completely customizable and can be equipped with lifts for special-needs students, optional auxiliary power units for air conditioning and heating, and all the things school districts and contractors are accustomed to ordering, company officials said.

Trans Tech Bus recently sold its first eTrans to Kings Canyon Unified School District in California.

"The market has been calling for an all-electric school bus for years, and now Trans Tech Bus, in conjunction with our partners at Smith Electric Vehicles, have made it a reality,” Daniels said. “We are looking forward to showcasing the eTrans in Albany. This Thursday’s ride-along is just another step toward an even greener pupil transportation system.”