Motiv Power Systems, which makes electric powertrains for a wide variety of commercial vehicles, will partner with bus dealership Creative Bus Sales to build a new electric school bus.

The Starcraft e-Quest XL will use the Motiv All-Electric Powertrain, a Ford F59 chassis and a Starcraft body. It has a passenger capacity of up to 48 and a range of up to 85 miles, and can charge to 50 percent capacity in 2 hours.

The Motiv All-Electric Powertrain include all of the components needed to transform a chassis to all-electric drive, including batteries, motors, a universal charger, and electric power for auxiliary systems. Motiv also offers up-fit packages for the Ford E450 and Crane Carrier COE2 class 8 chassis.

“Developing more options for all-electric school buses offers more opportunities for school districts to reduce harmful pollutants near children who are especially vulnerable to health impacts from diesel emissions,” said Motiv founder and CEO Jim Castelaz.

This partnership will allow fleet conversion company Green Alternative Systems to add Motiv’s All-Electric Powertrain to its portfolio of available alternative fuel systems for fleets across the country.

“After making our mark with compressed natural gas up-fits, we are thrilled to be able to collaborate with Motiv and offer an all-electric option to our customers,” said Mark Matijevich, General Manager of GAS. “Greening the nation’s fleets is not a one-size-fits-all solution; between CNG, propane and now an all-electric option, we continue to guide schools and commercial fleets towards the best options to fit their operational needs while reducing their carbon footprints.”

Sources: Motiv Power Systems, Creative Bus Sales, Green Alternative Systems