PHOENIX, Ariz. — School transportation officials here were able to learn more about and view Lion Bus’ new electric bus, as well as find out more about related funding programs.
On Jan. 31, Lion Bus and Adomani representatives hosted an event to share information about the eLion Type C electric bus and let the 20 school transportation directors and other staff check out the bus up close. Representatives from Congress, the local Clean Cities coalition, and a local utility were on hand to discuss the benefits of electric buses and field questions.
Lion Bus' Business Development Manager, Marc-Andre Page, kicked off the event by discussing the company and its partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Adomani: the two manufacturers have an exclusive arrangement that allows Adomani to sell the eLion in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Lion Bus has built over 1,100 buses since 2011 and has deployed over 80 eLions across Canada and the U.S. The manufacturer built the all-electric bus two years ago, and commercialized it in early 2016. Page said that in addition to offering three options for battery packs — 50, 75, and 100 miles — the bus includes a stepwell and battery box that are made of polyethylene plastic, which can last for up to 20 years, and standard regenerative braking. Additionally, the batteries are climate controlled.
As with Lion’s conventional school buses, the eLion includes a one-piece composite roof that is designed to be leak-free, and non-rusting body skirts that are created to be easily replaceable, composite side panels designed for easier repainting, and an option for a wheelchair lift. The ergonomic driver compartment and driver seat have also been repositioned closer to the left wall for enhanced visibility.
With the average daily route coming out to about 70 miles, school buses are one of the best applications for electric buses, Page explained. There are also fewer moving parts with an electric motor, requiring little maintenance, he added.
Lion is deploying vehicle-to-grid technology, which can raise revenue for school districts that sell the energy generated by the electric buses’ batteries back to the grid, in 2017, Page said.
Lion offers an air conditioning option for the eLion that will be necessary in Arizona, according to Lion Bus. Steve Gardner, national accounts/OE manager for American Cooling Technology, gave an overview to attendees of the onboard 160 kilowatt Btu/hr system for the demonstration bus. The technology necessary to minimize the energy draw for the bus includes a constant power electrically driven scroll compressor. The parasitic draw of “full-on” air conditioning of the bus is estimated at 5% - 7% of the range potential of the vehicle, he said.
Page addressed questions from transportation directors about batteries. He explained that battery packs have a warranty of eight years and a life expectancy for 4,000 full cycles, and that the entire pack doesn’t need to be charged for most trips. Additionally, he said that charging the bus for a few hours between routes would allow the bus to be completely recharged before the afternoon route, and Lion provides support to help select the right size battery pack for an operation.
Page also explained that the charging infrastructure can be customized for recharging time, such as if only 10% power is needed to run the afternoon route. Regarding battery packs, he said that one costs $30,000 today, but that costs are coming down. He also told attendees that battery leasing programs are available and Lion will look at making arrangements for those with its partners.
Bill Sheaffer, executive director of Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition in Scottsdale, Arizona, gave attendees an overview of the Volkswagen (VW) mitigation trust fund and FAST Act programs. He broke down the three major program components: the consumer refunds; the mitigation phase; and the zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) placement and polluting vehicle retirement aspects that are expected with the 10-year program.
