Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), a global leader in advanced high-efficiency zero emissions hybrid and electric drivetrain solutions, today announced the unveiling of its EDI PowerDrive™ 7000 electric drivetrain at the annual National Association for Pupil Transit Industry Event. The PowerDrive™ EV series will be offered as an electrification kit and developer support program for school bus manufacturers looking to offer e-Buses as part of their solution portfolio.
School buses serve as one of the largest mass transit segments in the US, and are among the oldest and dirtiest fleets on the road today. The industry at large is looking to move to zero-emissions options to improve air quality and reduce exposing children and local communities to toxic emissions. Paired with available government subsidy and incentive programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, school districts benefit from low cost of ownership and sustainable transport for students.
As demands for electric solutions for OEMs rise, EDI is now offering a vehicle developers kit and support program to enable bus manufacturers to rapidly create EV vehicle solutions. The EDI PowerDrive™ kit offers OEMs a robust framework for rapid EV vehicle solution development. Electrification kits include a high-efficiency drivetrain (EDI PowerDrive™), vehicle control and telematics software (EDI PowerSuite™), and the training and support infrastructure to enable quicker time to market in offering EV vehicles. OEMs can also further customize their vehicle solutions with EDI’s Electric Power Export (EDI Power2E™) option—the capability to export a range of power directly from the vehicle for use in disaster recovery, tool operation, and V2G applications.
By integrating EDI’s drivetrain and vehicle control software into school bus platforms, OEMs can offer fleet operators zero-emissions driving, significant reduction in fuel costs, and reduced total cost of ownership. Bus drivers operating the vehicle will continue to experience a standard driving experience–all the expected full power vehicle performance of the OEM, while eliminating harmful emissions.
