APTA Mobility 2019: GILLIG’s battery electric bus makes its debut
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Mobility Conference in Louisville, Ky., provided a fitting environment for GILLIG to officially introduce the industry to its newest offering: a 40-foot battery electric bus, powered by Cummins.
The zero-emission bus will join GILLIG’s Low Floor bus platform and brings what GILLIG calls the most comprehensive, advanced battery electric bus to the market.
The bus has a 38-passenger seating capacity and features an energy storage system with a battery capacity of 444 KWh, an electronic cooling package, thermal management system and air disc brakes.
GILLIG President and CEO Derek Maunus thanked GILLIG’s customers for their patience while the company developed this bus over the course of four years. He reminded attendees at the May 20 event that the company isn’t concerned with being first in the market, as long as the product GILLIG brings to the market is done right.
Maunus explained strong partnerships, such as the one formed with Cummins during the development of the zero-emission vehicle, played a role in the “thoughtful design” of the bus. A Cummins EV Drivetrain, which features remote diagnostics and over-the-air connectivity, will generate power to the bus. Additionally, Cummins nationwide network of service centers will be available for any maintenance concerns.
Cummins Vice President-Electrified Power Julie Furber noted that, like GILLIG, Cummins is determined to deliver the right solution to its customers. The company is investing $500 million into electric power and will center its North American manufacturing and corporate hub for its Electrified Power Business at its Columbus, Ind., plant.
The zero-emission battery electric bus will begin a nationwide tour shortly where transit operators will be able to run the bus on existing routes. Maunus said this up close and hands-on experience will allow operators, maintainers and other agency stakeholders a chance to see the full capabilities of the bus.
GILLIG is currently receiving orders for 40-foot and 35-foot Battery Electric bus models for placement into their production schedule.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
