Optimal EV S1

The World’s First Battery Electric Low-Floor Shuttle Bus

Engineered with Experience

Zero emissions comfort, durability, efficiency and performance in a proven, familiar package

With 91%* of our components made in-house in Indiana, or sourced from partnerships with American manufacturers, you can be proud knowing your fleet supports American companies and enables Buy America incentives.

*Estimated from current suppliers. Percentage may change.

Features

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"driven & friendly"

Low Floor Advantage

Optimal’s proprietary No-Kneel® chassis is designed to allow for an ultra-low 11-inch (280mm) step-in height and quick deployment of an ADA-compliant accessibility ramp without the need for kneeling suspension, enabling easy access for all passengers.

Portrait photo of co-founder Dan
"driven & friendly"

Proterra Battery

With 113kW of energy storage, and proven by over 20 million miles of service, Optimal’s partnership with Proterra provides our products with the best performance & reliability, all from right here in the USA.

Level 2 AC Charge
Standard
DC Fast Charge
Optional
Charge Time
< 8 Hours
< 2 Hours
Portrait photo of co-founder Dan
"driven & friendly"

Rear-Mounted Motor

With 280 kW of propulsion on tap and 1700Nm of instant EV torque, S1 can reach a top speed of 70mph (112kph) and features OEM E-450 equivalent 30% gradeability*.

*at GVWR of 14,500 lb (6577 kg)

Portrait photo of co-founder Dan
"driven & friendly"

Secured Power Electronics

Another first in the industry: our products feature 100% of the power electronics, including the battery, motor, driveline, motor controllers, and power/cooling lines, in-between the chassis rails. This packaging design allows for the low-floor chassis layout, while also protecting the vehicle’s critical components.

"driven & friendly"

Structure & Safety

With thousands of hours of CAE testing and optimization, the S1LF goes above and beyond at ensuring our vehicles exceed industry safety standards. Our purpose-built chassis is built to handle anything thrown at it, protecting power electronics with a reinforced structure and front & rear motor/motor controller cradles. Blind spot monitoring* helps keep drivers and their passengers out of harm’s way.
   



*Optional extra

Portrait photo of co-founder Dan
"driven & friendly"

The Silent Intersection of Comfort & Quality

Our years of experience in automotive engineering have also taught us how to design for an optimized user experience. Enabled by quieter electric propulsion, optimized ride dynamics and body design, and quality materials, our products enjoy lower NVH levels (noise, vibration, harshness) that benefit both passengers and workers.

A variety of seating and storage configurations to meet all of your fleet needs

Highlights

  • E-450

    Ford Chassis Platform
  • ~125+

    Miles Range
    *Range calculations based on WVU 5-Peak cycle at 76-88° F with 113kWh Proterra battery and installed bus body.
    Operating efficiency will vary with route conditions, vehicle configuration, ambient temperature, driving habits, etc.
  • 113 kWh

    Proterra Battery
  • 280 kW

    Traction Motor
  • ~70 mph / 112 kph

    Max Speed
  • 14,500 lbs

    Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Specifications

    Standard Equipment
    • Lightweight Composite Floor & Body

    • Gerflor Flooring

    • Heated Remote Mirrors

    • Interior Stepwell Lighting

    • Molded Fiberglass Exterior

    • Exterior Grade Undercoating

    • Electrically Actuated Door

    • Black-Out Rear Cap

    • Modesty Panel & Hand Rails

    • Front-Mounted Observation Window

    • Back-Up Alarm

    Optional Equipment
    • Back-Up Camera

    • Ceiling-Mounted Handrails

    • PA Systems

    • Interior / Exterior Camera Systems

    • Painted Skirts

    • Full Body Paint

    • Rear Exit Door

    • Blind Spot Detection

    • Energy-Absorbing Bumpers

    • Driver's Storage Compartment

    • Overhead Luggage

    • Stainless Wheel Covers

    • Spare Tire

    • Bicycle Racks

    • Keyless Entry - Key Fob

    • Roof Hatch

    Exterior Measurements
    • 101.6” (2580mm)

      Exterior Width
    • 109.9” (2790mm)

      Exterior Height
    • 26.6' (8124mm)

      Bumper to Bumper Length
    • 212.0" (5385mm)

      Wheelbase
    • 11.0" (280mm)

      Ground to First Step
    • 97.8" (2484mm)

      Interior Width
    • 78.6" (1996mm)

      Interior Height
    Power Specifications
    • 113 kWh

      Proterra Battery
    • 280 kW

      Traction Motor
    • 70 mph (112 kph)

      Max Speed
    • <8 Hours Charge

      With Standard Level 2 AC Charge
    • <2 Hours Fast Charge

      With Optional DC Fast Charge
    • -27° to +133°F (-33° to +56°C)

      Operating Temperature
    • 125+

      Miles on a Full Charge
      *Range calculations based on WVU 5-Peak cycle at 76-88° F with 113kWh Proterra battery and installed bus body.
      Operating efficiency will vary with route conditions, vehicle configuration, ambient temperature, driving habits, etc.
    Warranty

    Seating Layouts

    Read about S1 in the news

    We're on a mission to reinvent public transportation, EV, product, and system design

    40 Patent Claims

    Optimal is bolting into the commercial EV sector with industry-leading performance, features, comfort, and durability.

    Reach out to Optimal

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