Indiana-based Optimal has been providing engineering services to automotive OEMs for over 33 years. The company’s Engineering group has focused on EV system design since 2015. Now Optimal Electric Vehicles, a derivative firm, has joined the EV manufacturing game with its new electric S1LF Low-Floor Shuttle Bus.

The S1LF integrates a quasi-purpose-built Ford E450 chassis platform, which achieves a low step-in height without kneeling the suspension. The all-electric S1LF will feature an ADA-compliant entry ramp for paratransit operations and a GVWR of 14,500 lbs, with no reduction in carrying capacity.

Optimal-EV’s S1LF will feature a battery system from Proterra, featuring 113 kWh of energy capacity and over 125 miles of driving range. The vehicle can charge in about two hours with optional DC fast charging.

“Commercial urban fleets are an ideal use case for EV technology,” said Proterra CEO Jack Allen. “Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology has been proven in more than 12 million miles of service with our transit buses across North America.”

“Proterra’s expertise and experience in battery-electric transit buses makes them an ideal and trusted partner as we design and deliver this new vehicle,” said Optimal COO Dan Daniels.

The S1LF is the first of several planned commercial electric vehicles from Optimal-EV. It’s scheduled to make its debut at the APTA EXPO 2021 next March.

Source: Optimal Electric Vehicles