Immersed Technologies, a leader in training solutions and service information, proudly collaborates with Endera Motors on the Endera B Series paratransit shuttle, aligning with the growing demand in the U.S. paratransit sector.
A recent report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) highlights a 16% increase in Demand Response/Paratransit ridership in the U.S. from the third quarter of 2022, with more than 39,800 trips recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
The Endera B Series is designed for this expanding market. This collaboration is timely, considering a CALSTART report showing a 42% year-over-year increase in small zero-emission buses since 2021. This project also signifies Immersed Technologies’ strategic move into the Class 4/5/6 vehicle market, highlighting its dedication to enhancing the capabilities and knowledge base of EV technicians.
The core of Immersed Technologies’ contribution lies in developing detailed service information specifically tailored for technicians working on these new vehicles. Service materials start with comprehensive guidance on the removal and installation of components within the electric powertrain system. This foundational knowledge is crucial for technicians and is the first step in a larger focus on EV maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
“We are excited to partner with Endera Motors on the B Series project. Our goal is to equip service technicians with the knowledge and skills they need to safely and effectively maintain these advanced electric vehicles,” said Mike Brock, president of Immersed Technologies. “There are more than 1,800 U.S. transit systems offering demand response services. This project is the type that directly addresses their needs in a growing market.”
California’s push toward a zero-emission future further underscores the significance of this partnership. The state’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation requires transit agencies to purchase only zero-emission buses starting in 2029. Immersed Technologies and Endera Motors are at the forefront of this transition, offering a solution that aligns with California’s goal for a zero-emission transit fleet by 2040 and supports the growing use of cutaway vehicles in public transportation.
Shuttles and some school buses are part of the Class 4/5/6 medium-duty vehicle categories. New California legislation requires all new school buses to be zero-emission starting in 2035. Currently, about 3% of the state’s school buses are electric, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Zero-Emission Airport Shuttle Regulation, which CARB adopted in 2019, requires airport shuttle operators to begin adding zero-emission shuttles to their fleets in 2027 and complete the transition by the end of 2035.
This project shows Immersed Technologies’ dedication to ensuring that technicians are equipped to maintain the high standards of performance and safety expected in the EV sector.