MCI unveils its first battery-electric coach

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., introduced the J4500 CHARGE™ coach on May 4.

The J4500 CHARGE coach provides the industry with a battery-electric option to MCI’s J series tour and charter coaches. The company reports the bus delivers more than 200 miles of range along with enhanced safety features by leveraging New Flyer’s EV technology.

“NFI has pushed EV and automated innovation forward and today we achieve another milestone in our technology roadmap through the launch of MCI’s first battery-electric luxury coach,” said NFI President and CEO Paul Soubry. “With the unveiling, MCI further expands NFI’s market-leading portfolio of zero-emission vehicles and continues our ability to lead the ZEvolution.”

MCI says its J4500 CHARGE incorporates advanced technology to power its high performance, including optimized battery placement for weight distribution and handling; enhanced regeneration for energy recovery and greater efficiency; improved torque and gradeability for smoother, more powerful operation; and next generation, ethically sourced, high-energy batteries.

“Our J4500 CHARGE was made for high performance through unmatched design, with each detail developed to provide an exceptional passenger experience while supporting zero-emission travel with clean, safe, reliable mobility,” said NFI North America Bus and Coach President Chris Stoddart. “With fully customizable interiors, the industry’s best warranty coverage, and expert infrastructure support offered through NFI’s Infrastructure Solutions team, the J4500 CHARGE is leading the next generation of travel.”

The J4500 CHARGE features brighter, more spacious interiors with ample legroom. Parts support is provided by NFI subsidiary NFI Parts with training offered by the MCI Academy. Further training and workforce development support is provided through NFI’s Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC). The VIC now offers detailed virtual sessions to allow operators and drivers to increase their EV and AV training.

“We successfully completed prototype testing of our J4500 CHARGE in 2018, and since then have continued rigorous field testing of MCI’s battery-electric performance to prove operation through virtually any condition,” said Brent Maitland, MCI’s vice president of private sector sales and marketing. “And, not only do our EVs include the industry’s best warranty at 30 months, they are supported by NFI’s field tech army – North America’s most extensive bus and coach service and support network – with 24/7 roadside assistance to support operators any time of day.”

New Flyer and MCI will deliver J4500 CHARGE electric coach training through a no-cost virtual session hosted July 7, 2021, through the VIC. To register, visit newflyer.com/VIC.

This is the fourth new vehicle introduced by the NFI Group in 2021 and follows the release of New Flyer’s first fully operational heavy-duty automated transit bus, the Xcelsior AV™, the launch of the Equess CHARGE™ from ARBOC Specialty Vehicles and the next iteration of the New Flyer Xcelsior platform, the Xcelsior CHARGE NG™.