LONG BEACH, Calif.,
April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As
they showcase the only fully integrated electric school bus, the
chargE™, at this year's Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo,
leaders at International Truck and IC Bus are also speaking out
about the opportunity to use electrification and other advanced
technologies to drive step changes in the commercial vehicle
industry.
"Major leaps forward in connectivity, propulsion and automation
are offering commercial truck and bus users the opportunity to
achieve new levels of fuel efficiency, safety and productivity,"
said Darren Gosbee, Navistar vice
president, Powertrain and Advanced Engineering. "As a leading
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) addressing a wide range of
specialized needs, we believe it's our responsibility to help
customers apply these technologies in smart ways that will deliver
the most benefit for their particular application."
As one such application, Gosbee pointed to the chargE, a
purpose-built, fully integrated electric Type C school bus from one
of the industry's most trusted OEMs, IC Bus. This concept school
bus incorporates a common group electric drivetrain from alliance
partner Volkswagen Truck & Bus that is quiet, does not produce
any emissions, and can be built to address any school bus
customer's specific requirements.
Steve Gilligan, Navistar vice
president, Product Marketing, described the chargE as an important
example of Navistar's leadership in providing an appropriate
technology for specific applications. He cited the school bus and
medium truck segments as offering unique opportunities for
near-term electrification that will deliver major environmental
benefits.
"Medium-duty trucks and school buses travel shorter, more
predictable distances and typically return to their base overnight,
making their charging infrastructure less complex than for
long-haul vehicles," Gilligan said. "As a result, they will provide
immediate environmental benefits, especially in urban areas that
are driving toward ultra-low or zero emissions."
Beyond environmental benefits, the chargE incorporates
additional advanced technologies that support improved safety and
efficiency for the vehicle's passengers and driver. Its range can
exceed 120 miles, while its powertrain can deliver up to 260 kW,
equivalent to about 349 peak horsepower. The chargE also features
an exclusive, purpose-built camera solution, the IC Bus Full View
Camera Technology™ by Rosco, that makes the driver's job
easier and safer.
The chargE also includes connected systems and remote
diagnostics that support vehicle safety, uptime and more efficient
vehicle inspections, said Navistar senior vice president and chief
information officer Terry Kline.
"Our OnCommand® Connection suite of telematics will
make it easier for school bus customers to understand vehicles' and
drivers' performance in relation to customers' fuel efficiency,
vehicle maintenance, and driver productivity goals—all in real
time," Kline said. "Beyond school buses alone, we expect that
fleets of all sizes and types will realize greater Uptime,
environmental, and financial benefits from the use of connected
technologies."
Kline, Gilligan and Gosbee are all speaking at ACT Expo, and IC
Bus is hosting a chargE ride and drive for conference attendees on
Thursday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PDT at the Long Beach Convention Center. IC Bus recently
kicked off a national tour with chargE which includes scheduled
stops at trade shows, school visits, and local government events
throughout the country. ACT Expo is the sixth major stop.
To learn more about the chargE and additional advanced
technologies from IC Bus and International Truck, visit booth 1619
on the 2018 ACT Expo Show Floor at the Long Beach Convention Center, an IC Bus or
International Truck dealer or online at
icbus.com/electricbustour.
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation
(NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates
produce International® brand commercial and military
trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus® brand
school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and
diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing
services. Additional information is available at
www.Navistar.com.
All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE International Truck; IC Bus