Trans Tech Bus, Inc., New York’s only school bus manufacturer and all-electric school bus pioneer, unveiled an all-electric version of their highly popular SST Type A school bus at the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Annual Conference and Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio.

The all-new electric SST-E is powered by Optimal EV’s industry-leading electric powertrain and renowned Proterra battery. Optimal EV, which has its headquarters in Plymouth, Mich., and manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Ind., is an industry-leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of zero-emission electric low-floor buses.

“Demand for our SST has never been stronger, so it made perfect sense to partner with an industry leader like Optimal EV to develop a zero-emission electric version,” said Trans Tech Bus President John Phraner. “As we look ahead to future production, we’ll continue to work with our customers across the country to ensure we are meeting the needs of their drivers, fleet managers and passengers.”

School districts and private school transportation contractors across the country continue to cite the SST’s versatility and durability as the two biggest reasons the SST is the most popular school bus Trans Tech sells in North America. Trans Tech’s SST has an optional flat-floor, which makes it ideal for wheelchair accessibility, and Versa-Track seating affording customers the ability to customize their seating arrangements. The SST-E will come with the same signature aerodynamic design offered by all Trans Tech school buses, and a long list of industry-leading standard and optional features.

The launch of the SST-E is part of the company’s plan, announced earlier this year, to expand its all-electric school bus manufacturing capacity to meet the new demand created by New York and California when they passed their electric school bus mandates requiring school districts to transition their fleets to zero emission school buses.

“As a pioneer in the all-electric school bus market and having launched the production of the first all-electric Type A school bus in 2011, Trans Tech is looking forward to helping New York and California school districts and school bus contractors transition their fleets to all-electric,” said Trans Tech president John Phraner.