INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles, in partnership with GILLIG, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States, today announced that beginning in 2021, GILLIG will offer Allison’s eGen Flex™ electric hybrid propulsion system.
“GILLIG and Allison have partnered for nearly 50 years to provide the highest-quality buses for our customers and the people they serve,” said Bill Fay, Vice President of Sales at GILLIG. “Our companies are demonstrating how American ingenuity is supporting safe and clean public transportation, and recycling tax dollars back into our communities.”
The Allison eGen Flex system is capable of improving fuel economy by up to 25 percent versus a conventional clean diesel bus, and has the ability to operate accessories such as air conditioning and electric heat at optimal efficiency with electric power. Moving these accessories to electric power reduces the strain on the engine, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime.
The full EV capability of the eGen Flex propulsion system can also eliminate engine emissions and noise while loading and unloading passengers, and while operating in densely populated areas or depots using geo-fencing. The eGen Flex system offers full electric drive capability for up to 10 miles, depending upon duty cycle and accessory load demands.
“GILLIG and Allison have established a joint partnership dedicated to optimized integration and a mutual commitment to innovation,” said Rohan Barua, Vice President of Sales, North America at Allison. “We are excited to continue our history of innovation with GILLIG through the launch of the eGen Flex propulsion system, which provides our mutual customers full electric operation with engine-off capability, without capital infrastructure investment in charging stations. Through this solution, GILLIG and Allison are able to offer customers full EV capability, while maintaining a diesel engine for added flexibility, effectively serving as a bridge solution to EV. The diesel engine can serve as a range extender, when needed for longer routes or route flexibility due to unplanned congestion or construction on routes.”
GILLIG has received their first order for Allison eGen Flex electric hybrid-equipped buses from IndyGo, the Indianapolis Transportation Corporation.
Since 2003, Allison has delivered more than 9,000 electric hybrid propulsion systems globally. These systems have accumulated nearly 2.6 billion miles, saving more than 305 million gallons of fuel, and preventing 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Allison is excited to take the next leap forward with eGen Flex and GILLIG.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and medium- and heavy-tactical U.S. defense vehicles, as well as a supplier of commercial vehicle propulsion solutions, including electric hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems. Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and defense vehicles (wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,500 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.
About GILLIG
GILLIG is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States. We offer a portfolio of clean energy propulsions including zero-emission battery electric, diesel-electric hybrid, near-zero emission compressed natural gas and clean-diesel, all designed on the proven GILLIG Low Floor platform to maximize fleet commonality. Since 1890, our dedicated employees have been supporting customers and delivering on promises to improve quality of life through transformative mass transit solutions. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built by American workers in Livermore, California, who are committed to building and supporting the safest and most reliable transit buses in the United States. GILLIG buses are known for their unmatched quality and have earned their reputation as the lowest-cost buses to maintain and operate. Our products help reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment and provide mobility to all. GILLIG is also proud to create American jobs and recycle tax dollars back into the community to further support public transportation. Further information about GILLIG can be found at www.gillig.com.
