LOS ANGELES and FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has placed an order for a new all-electric shuttle bus, powered by Motiv Power Systems' All-Electric Powertrain, continuing the school's commitment to sustainability. This zero-emission bus is the first Motiv powered shuttle bus to operate on a university campus. Developed in partnership with Commercial Fleet Financing, the shuttle bus is projected to be delivered in early 2018. The shuttle bus will transport students, patients, and campus visitors between the UCLA Santa Monica and UCLA Westwood health facilities.

"UCLA is leading the way in alternative fuel vehicles, and we're thrilled to help them further their sustainability goals," said Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz. "With predictable routes that allow time for a full recharge, our All-Electric Powertrain is an ideal solution for university campus vehicles, and we look forward to helping more educational institutions realize both the financial and environmental benefits of an all-electric fleet."

The cost of the shuttle was funded in part by the California Air Resource Board'sHybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The HVIP grant allowed the purchase of the batteries and electric powertrain, providing UCLA a zero-emission shuttle for the same cost as its fossil fuel counterparts.

UCLA's shuttle bus will be equipped with a wheelchair lift, space for two wheelchairs, WiFi connectivity and bicycle racks on the outside of the vehicle. Built on Ford's E450 chassis with a Champion Bus body, the shuttle bus will offer a maximum capacity of 20 passengers, a range of up to 90 miles on a single charge, a 75% charge time of four hours, and a top speed of 60 miles per hour.

"For 22 years, CFF has taken pride in helping commercial fleets grow through financing, consulting and quality recommendations," said Liam Lucey, President of Commercial Fleet Financing. "With best-in-class safety, range and driving performance, we found Motiv's All-Electric Powertrain to be an ideal solution for this shuttle bus."

As the only Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier-approved provider of all-electric powertrains for commercial trucks and buses, the Motiv All-Electric Powertrain works with a wide range of batteries, motors and chassis. This flexibility allows fleets to purchase vehicles which are optimized for their specific range, payload, and route requirements without compromising performance. Motiv's Powertrain installs on standard truck or bus chassis such that minimal modification to the body and final vehicle design is required and fleets can continue to purchase through their existing providers. The Motiv All-Electric Powertrain also includes universal charging compatibility and secure remote telematics and diagnostics.

In addition to university campuses, shuttle buses equipped with Motiv's All-Electric Powertrain are ideally suited for corporate, paratransit, parking and other commercial applications. The first set of Motiv-powered shuttle buses were placed in operation for the City of Mountain View, California in 2015. The six buses are free to the public and transport residents and visitors through the city between neighborhoods, shopping centers, medical complexes, city facilities and recreation areas.

About Motiv Power Systems

Founded in 2009 and based in Foster City, CA, Motiv Power Systems designs and builds All-Electric Powertrains for commercial medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The powertrains are based on commercially-available, proven-reliable common parts like battery packs, motors, and high voltage accessories configured to meet the diverse needs of the commercial vehicle industry. Common vehicle types from these builders include work, delivery, and refuse trucks, as well as school and shuttle buses. As the only Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier-approved provider of all-electric powertrains for commercial trucks and buses, Motiv partners with existing truck builders who manufacture electric versions of their traditional fossil-fueled vehicles on their current assembly lines using the Motiv All-Electric Powertrain. The award-winning Motiv All-Electric Powertrain is installed at the time of vehicle manufacture, similar to a natural gas or propane upfit. For more information, please visit www.motivps.com and follow us on Twitter @motivps, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Motiv Power Systems