NFI Unveils its 1st Zero-Emission, 3-Axle Double Deck Bus for North America, the Alexander Dennis Enviro500EV CHARGE

Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA – Jun 10, 2021: (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF) NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”  or the “Company”), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric  mass mobility solutions, today unveiled its first zero-emission, three-axle double deck bus. The  Enviro500EV CHARGE is the North American all-electric version of the world’s best-selling double  deck bus, and is produced by NFI subsidiary Alexander Dennis Limited (“ADL”).

Like all NFI double deck buses for North America, the 45-foot Enviro500EV CHARGE offers an  amazing passenger experience with panoramic views, low-floor entry, reclined seating, overhead  reading lights and air vents, USB ports, and Wi-Fi and multimedia capability—but its main feature  is its high passenger capacity, with up to 82 seats, including 53 on the upper deck. It also features  several industry firsts, including full independent front suspension for a smoother and more  comfortable ride, and an integrated electric drive system tailored to the requirements of North  American transit agencies. A well-lit staircase with conveniently positioned handrails, wide  entrance and wide exit doors, a 1-in-6 mobility ramp, unobstructed isles with sculpted handrails,  mobility devices, and fully flat floor through to the rear seating ensure outstanding accessibility.  

The Enviro500EV CHARGE forms part of NFI’s industry leading range of zero-emission buses  and coaches. The CHARGE line-up includes New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ and Xcelsior  CHARGE H2™, MCI’s J4500 CHARGE™ and D45 CRT LE CHARGE™, and the ARBOC Equess  CHARGE™. The Enviro500 EV CHARGE is Buy America-compliant, and Altoona testing is  scheduled to start later this year. NFI is the only operator in North America to offer battery-electric,  fuel cell-electric and electric trolleys. 

“Today marks the very first launch of an ADL vehicle at our Vehicle Innovation Center, and we are excited to have an ADL zero-emission bus join our line-up for North America,” said Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI. “When we acquired ADL in May 2019, we knew that ADL’s strong international growth agenda and double deck bus platform would mean an exciting road ahead—today’s launch brings together both of these elements. At NFI, we are leading the evolution to zero-emission mobility – Leading the ZEvolution, as we like to call it – and ADL is a central part of our continued leadership and innovation.”

“The Enviro family is the world’s best-selling double deck bus, with over 18,000 sold around the globe,” said Paul Davies, President and Managing Director, ADL. “Today we add a milestone as we unveil our first ever battery-electric, three-axle, high-capacity double deck bus designed specifically for the North American market. We are very excited by the positive feedback already received from transit agencies who have trialed this vehicle and look forward to delivering zero emission service with our double decks across North America.”

NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating (or on order) in more  than 80 cities in four countries. NFI offers the widest range of zero-emission battery and fuel cell  electric buses and coaches, and the Company’s vehicles have completed over 40 million EV  service miles. Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and  sustainable mobility solutions through a four-pillar approach that includes buses and coaches,  technology, infrastructure, and workforce development. It also operates the VIC, the first and only  innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing  workforce development. Since opening late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 300 interactive events,  welcoming 3,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training. For more information,  visit newflyer.com/VIC. 

A video accompanying this announcement can be found at: https://youtu.be/yzbY7p0Tc7k

Images courtesy of NFI  

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, Home – New Flyer | North America’s Bus Leaderis leading the electrification of mass mobility  around the world. With zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI  meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling  more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation. 

With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass  mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches),  Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest  range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and  fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of  over 105,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI common shares are traded on the  Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information is available at  www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com,  www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.