Optimal-EV

Overview

Optimal designs, engineers and manufactures low-floor shuttle buses, working from a design and engineering centre in Plymouth, Michigan and a manufacturing plant in Elkhart, Indiana. The company began in 1986 when Dr. Song Young commercialised computer-aided engineering software, grew into an engineering services firm serving automotive OEMs, and later became a vehicle manufacturer itself, now holding 40 patent claims. Its LFe is described as the world’s first all-electric low-floor shuttle bus, carrying up to 20 passengers with three mobility aid positions, more than 125 miles of range and a two hour full charge with optional DC charging. The LFg is a low-floor gasoline shuttle bus seating up to 22 with three mobility aid positions, and the E1 is a battery-electric cutaway chassis offered in 158 and 176 inch wheelbases with 30 percent gradeability. A repower programme converts existing 2018 to 2023 model year vehicles to extend their service life. Vehicles are stated to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Transport Canada requirements, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, California Air Resources Board emissions standards and Buy America, and the company runs a DBE programme under 49 CFR Part 26 with a fiscal 2026 goal of 0.67 percent.