Los Angeles-based Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing (AVM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UBSI, the commercial transportation and logistics arm of the Afifi Group, Israel and the Palestinian Territories’ largest, privately held transportation, tourism, and real estate group, to purchase 58 of AVM’s commercial electric vehicles.

AVM unveiled the first vehicle in its line of fast-charging, all-electric, mid-size shuttle buses, the EV27, at the Advanced Clean Expo (ACT) Expo 2018 in Long Beach, California, this week. (Earlier post.) Also available in 21- and 33-foot lengths, AVM’s EV27 is suited for loop-based routes supporting corporate and school campuses, hotels and rental car facilities, airports, and affording “first/last mile” solutions to private communities.

The MOU also includes plans to purchase a network of AVM’s 350 kW CCS 2.0 high-powered chargers which provide under 10-minute charging times along with a centralized fleet management system, AI-based route optimization software and Bluetooth beacon hardware. First deliveries are planned for Q1 2019.

AVM rapid-charge shuttles are powered by Yinlong Energy’s proprietary lithium–titanate battery (LTO) technology. A safe and long-lasting lithium-based technology, LTO cells can endure more than 20,000 cycles, ensuring the batteries’ lifespan exceeds that of the vehicle. This robust and proven technology takes full advantage of AVM’s 350 kW CCS 2.0 high-powered charger, enabling the rapid charge time.

We found AVM’s integrated technologies and 10-minute charging to be the strongest commercial transportation solution for us.

—Tawfiq Afifi, head of Trade and Services for Afifi Group

Afifi’s UBSI division currently imports and operates more than 650 buses and is supported by its 13,000 square foot service center.