First Electric Bus to Pass the New FTA Pass/Fail Standard in Altoona: The Nova Bus LFSe

Nova Bus has announced that it passed the U.S. Federal Transit Administration new model bus test with flying colors and with a great score of 80 percent. The tests were conducted in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and are required for any company selling buses in the United States that are purchased with federal funds. It is the first all-electric bus to pass the new test protocol implemented in 2016.

 The Altoona program provides performance information and ensures the safety and reliability of new transit buses through a battery of tests that receive an objective analysis and breakdown. The Nova Bus LFSe model stood out as especially durable and reliable, completing the required 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) in a record time of 195 days. Another record was broken for distance; 1118 miles (1,800 kilometers) in a week, that is more than 220 miles (320 kilometers) per day. That is unprecedented for an electric bus, and proof that OppCharge and best bus reliability provide the most in-service availability. The results also proved safety is a core value at Nova Bus. The Nova Bus LFSe easily passed the stability test in double lane change and has the best braking distances in its category.

This excellent performance is due in large part to optimization of the quantity of traction batteries and weight distribution on the vehicle to allow it to safely transport more passengers.

“We are extremely proud to be the first to complete the Pass/Fail standard with an electric bus”, said Ralph Acs, President of Nova Bus and Prevost and Senior Vice President Americas of Volvo Bus. “Our Nova Bus LFSe buses are already in service in Montreal and are known to offer distinct advantages both environmentally and economically. This certification — and especially being the first to do it with a fully electric bus—just goes to show that Nova Bus can meet the challenge of electric urban mobility.”