# ENC Axess > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/ENC_Axess > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/ENC_Axess.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENC_Axess > Source revision: 1345172503 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}} {{Infobox automobile | name = ENC Axess | image = LADOT Commuter Express 2013 Eldorado Axess BRT -13402.jpg | caption = Current ENC Axess design, with CNG tanks on roof, operated by [LADOT](/source/Los_Angeles_Department_of_Transportation) | manufacturer = [ENC](/source/ENC_(company)) | aka = | production = {{ubl|2003–2015 (conventional)|2010+ (BRT)}} | assembly = [Riverside, California](/source/Riverside%2C_California) | predecessor = | successor = | class = [Transit bus](/source/Transit_bus) | body_style = [Monocoque](/source/Monocoque) [stressed skin](/source/stressed_skin) | layout = [RR](/source/Rear-engine%2C_rear-wheel-drive_layout) | platform = | engine = {{ubl | Diesel: [Cummins L9](/source/Cummins_L9) | [CNG](/source/Compressed_natural_gas)/[LNG](/source/Liquefied_natural_gas): Cummins-[Westport](/source/Westport_Innovations) [L9N](/source/Cummins_L9) }} | motor = {{ubl | Hybrid: [Allison](/source/Allison_Transmission) H 40 | Hydrogen: [BAE](/source/BAE_Systems) HDS200 }} | transmission = [Allison B 400R](/source/Allison_Bus_Series), [Voith](/source/Voith) or [ZF](/source/ZF_Friedrichshafen) | wheelbase = {{ubl | {{convert|168|in|m|abbr=on}} (32-foot) | {{convert|215|in|m|abbr=on}} (35-foot) | {{convert|275|in|m|abbr=on}} (40-foot) }} | length = {{ubl | {{convert|31|ft|8|in|m|abbr=on}} (32-foot) | {{convert|35|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on}} (35-foot) | {{convert|40|ft|4|in|m|abbr=on}} (40-foot) }} | width = {{convert|102|in|m|abbr=on}} | height = {{ubl | {{convert|126|in|m|abbr=on}} (diesel) | {{convert|135|-|140|in|m|abbr=on}} (all others) }} | weight = {{ubl | {{convert|30170|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (40-foot diesel) | {{convert|31090|-|31950|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (40-foot CNG) | {{convert|33520|lb|kg|-2|abbr=on}} (40-foot hydrogen) }} | related = | designer = | sp = us }} The '''ENC Axess''' is a line of [low-floor](/source/Low-floor_bus) [transit bus](/source/transit_bus)es available in 35-foot and 40-foot nominal lengths manufactured by [ENC](/source/ENC_(company)) (formerly ElDorado National–California) in [Riverside, California](/source/Riverside%2C_California) starting from 2003. In addition to the different available lengths, the buses are sold with a variety of prime movers, ranging from conventional [diesel](/source/diesel_engine), [LNG](/source/liquefied_natural_gas)/[CNG](/source/compressed_natural_gas) combustion engines, [diesel-electric hybrid](/source/Hybrid_electric_bus) and [hydrogen fuel cell](/source/Fuel_cell_bus) with a traction motor. The Axess was the first full-size heavy-duty transit bus, defined as ENC building both the chassis and body, offered by the company. Previously, ENC had built medium-duty mid-size transit and shuttle buses, with the company building a custom body on a commercial chassis. In 2010, ENC began offering the Axess with an extended front cap and raked windshield as the Axess BRT, intended for [bus rapid transit](/source/bus_rapid_transit) service; the conventional Axess was discontinued in 2015 and the Axess BRT became the sole styling option offered. ==Design== [[File:Maui Bus 401.jpg|thumb|left|Original ENC Axess design, wrapped for [Maui Bus](/source/Maui_Bus)]] ElDorado National (California) filed an application in 2002 to trademark the name Axess, and the cited date of first use is 2003.{{cite web |title=Axess, application No. 78149304 |url=https://uspto.report/TM/78149304 |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office}} It is the first heavy-duty transit bus offered by ElDorado National, who was better known previously for offering [shuttle bus](/source/shuttle_bus)es for universities, airport hotels, small transit fleets, and car rental services.{{cite web |last=Brophy |first=Jim |date=September 26, 2020 |title=Bus Stop Classics: Transmark RE/Eldorado – If You Rented a Car in the US, You've Probably Rode On This Bus |url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/bus-stop-classic/bus-stop-classics-transmark-re-eldorado-if-you-rented-a-car-in-the-us-youve-probably-rode-on-this-bus/ |access-date=4 February 2020 |publisher=Curbside Classic}} Like most low-floor buses offered in North America, the Axess has a partial low-floor layout, where the seating area from the rear axle to the back of the bus is on an elevated platform to provide space for the engine and transmission.{{cite web |title=Axess (brochure) |url=https://www.eldorado-ca.com/resources/themes/collins/assets/brocurePdfs/enc_axess.pdf |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=ENC}}{{cite web |title=Axess Fuel Cell (brochure) |url=https://www.eldorado-ca.com/resources/themes/collins/assets/brocurePdfs/enc_axessfuelcell.pdf |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=ENC}} The CNG fueled variant is approximately 10% more expensive than the diesel.{{cite web |date=September 2015 |title=ADA Accessible Heavy Duty Buses, Contract # 6813 |url=http://165.206.203.6/transit/pdf/ElDorado%20Contract.pdf |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=Iowa Department of Transportation, Purchasing Section}} The Axess BRT model increased overall length from {{convert|40|ft|8|in|m|1|abbr=on}}{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/61.pdf |title=ElDorado National Model Axess, report PTI-BT-R0312 |date=November 2003 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center of the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute |access-date=27 January 2021}} to {{convert|41|ft|3|in|m|1|abbr=on}},{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/437.pdf |title=ElDorado National Model Axess, report PTI-BT-R1315-P |date=2013 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center of the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute |access-date=27 January 2021}}{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/446.pdf |title=ElDorado National Model Axess HD, report PTI-BT-R1312 |date=September 2014 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center of the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute |access-date=27 January 2021}} increasing the front overhang from {{convert|94|to|100|in|m|1|abbr=on}}. ===Hybrid=== The Axess is available with a hybrid drivetrain, at approximately a 50% premium compared to the cost of a bus with a conventional diesel engine.{{cite report |url=https://www.hgacbuy.org/getmedia/9bbebea9-daf2-42df-87ce-ac71c597ae2e/ElDorado-National.pdf |title=General Provisions: Cooperative Agreement - ElDorado National (California), inc. - Public Services - 18-00799 |date=December 20, 2018 |publisher=Houston-Galveston Area Council |access-date=30 December 2021}} The supplemental electric traction motor and hybrid components are part of the EP System supplied by [Allison Transmission](/source/Allison_Transmission), which automatically switches between [parallel hybrid](/source/parallel_hybrid) and series hybrid operation.{{cite web |date=2011 |title=Allison Hybrid H 40 EP / H 50 EP |url=https://www.allisontransmission.com/docs/default-source/marketing-materials/sa5983en-h40-50-ep1BCB31AC06C2F2B94ACCEED0.pdf?sfvrsn=4 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=Allison Transmission}}{{cite press release |title=Allison Transmission Produces its 5,000th Hybrid System for Buses and Coaches |date=November 14, 2011 |publisher=Allison Transmission |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allison-transmission-produces-its-5000th-hybrid-system-for-buses-and-coaches-133830893.html |access-date=4 February 2021}} ===Fuel cell=== [[File:MBTA 5002 at Sullivan Square station, August 2016.jpg|thumb|left|[MBTA](/source/MBTA_bus) #5002, Axess FC with BRT styling at [Sullivan Square station](/source/Sullivan_Square_station) (2016)]] The fuel cell variant of the Axess was developed under the sponsorship of the [Federal Transit Administration](/source/Federal_Transit_Administration) as the American Fuel Cell Bus Project (AFCB Project), one of the projects established by the National Fuel Cell Bus Program (NFCB Program) in 2006.{{cite report |url=https://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/assets/pdfs/fta_report_no_0047.pdf |title=American Fuel Cell Bus Project: First Analysis Report |last1=Eudy |first1=Leslie |last2=Chandler |first2=Kevin |date=June 2013 |publisher=Federal Transit Administration |access-date=1 February 2021}}{{rp|8}} The AFCB Project was led by CALSTART and [SunLine Transit Agency](/source/SunLine_Transit_Agency).{{cite web |date=February 2012 |title=American Fuel Cell Bus Project |url=https://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/assets/pdfs/nfcbp_fs4_feb12.pdf |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=National Renewable Energy Laboratory}} Although AFCB was part of the initial round of NFCB Program grants starting in 2006, the planned manufacturing partners, including the bus platform vendor (New Flyer), fuel cell ([UTC Power](/source/UTC_Power)), and hybrid drivetrain ([ISE Corporation](/source/ISE_Corporation)),{{cite web |date=June 2008 |title=SunLine Begins Extended Testing of Hybrid Fuel Cell Bus |url=https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/43203.pdf |access-date=3 February 2021 |publisher=Department of Energy, Hydrogen Program}} all withdrew from the AFCB Project shortly after it began.{{rp|16–17}} ElDorado National had previously worked with SunLine on the earlier ISE/UTC ThunderVolt fuel cell/hybrid bus, supplying an [E-Z Rider II](/source/ENC_E-Z_Rider) 30-foot bus chassis in the early 2000s.{{cite web |date=August 2003 |title=SunLine Test Drives Hydrogen Bus |url=https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy03osti/33639.pdf |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=United States Department of Energy}} After completing the Axess BRT chassis for the first AFCB, ElDorado National delivered it to BAE Systems in New York, who integrated the hybrid drivetrain and fuel cell systems; the first AFCB was delivered to SunLine in November 2011 as fleet number FC3.{{rp|16–17}} Revenue service at SunLine began in January 2012; FC3 met "Buy America" certification for American-made component content.{{cite news |date=November 15, 2011 |title=SunLine Transit unveils 7th generation hydrogen-fueled bus |url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/11/sunline-20111115.html |access-date=3 February 2021 |work=Green Car Congress}} The fuel cell variant of the Axess uses an electric drivetrain that was developed by [BAE Systems](/source/BAE_Systems) as a [series hybrid](/source/series_hybrid) for [hybrid bus](/source/hybrid_bus) applications and branded HybriDrive. Unlike the conventional HybriDrive, which uses a motor-generator set to power the electric traction motor, electricity is generated by a 150 kW [Ballard Power Systems](/source/Ballard_Power_Systems) FCveloCity-HD6 [hydrogen fuel cell](/source/hydrogen_fuel_cell), with additional power supplied by a lithium-ion storage battery capable of providing 200 kW of power and a capacity of 11.2 kW-hr. Up to {{convert|50|kg|abbr=on}} of gaseous hydrogen fuel can be stored on board, compressed to {{convert|350|bar|psi|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |date=2011 |title=American Fuel Cell Bus |url=https://gettozero.com/pdf/fuel_cell/AllAmerFuelC.pdf |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=BAE Systems}} The electric traction motor has a continuous output rating of {{convert|215|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} and a peak output of {{convert|270|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}.{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/491.pdf |title=ElDorado National Model Axess FC, report PTI-BT-R1611 |date=April 2018 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center of the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute |access-date=27 January 2021}} The fuel cell option is approximately 3{{frac|2}} times the cost of a conventional (diesel-powered) Axess 40-foot bus. A second-generation fuel cell bus, now branded Axess-FC, was unveiled in 2019 with improved range.{{cite press release |title=ENC introduces next generation of fuel cell buses |date=September 27, 2019 |publisher=ElDorado National |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/hybrid-hydrogen-electric-vehicles/press-release/21107641/eldorado-national-enc-introduces-next-generation-of-fuel-cell-buses |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=Mass Transit}} ===Battery electric=== thumb|right|Battery-electric Axess A battery electric Axess was available at approximately twice the cost of a conventional (diesel-powered) 40-foot Axess. In November 2021, the Axess-BEB, a production battery electric bus using the Axess chassis debuted at the APTA Expo; it is available in 32-foot, 35-foot, and 40-foot (nominal) lengths and uses a powertrain system sourced from Cummins, including the traction motor, inverter, and storage battery.{{cite web |title=Axess-BEB |url=https://www.eldorado-ca.com/electric-bus |access-date=30 December 2021 |publisher=ENC}}{{cite web |date=November 3, 2021 |title=ENC to debut Axess battery-electric bus at APTA EXPO |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/press-release/21244772/eldorado-national-enc-to-debut-axess-batteryelectric-bus-at-apta-expo |access-date=30 December 2021 |website=Mass Transit}} Battery options include 444 or 518 kW-hr of storage with initial availability limited to a 40-foot model.{{cite web |date=April 2021 |title=Axess Battery Electric |url=https://www.eldorado-ca.com/resources/themes/collins/assets/brocurePdfs/enc_axess-beb.pdf |access-date=30 December 2021 |publisher=ENC}} ===Axess EVO-BE/EVO-FC=== ENC’s Axess EVO-BE and EVO-FC represent the next generation of zero emission transportation. With 738 kWh of energy storage, the Axess EVO-BE delivers a longer range per charge, making it ideal for transit and shuttle applications. Axess EVO-FC offers an estimated range of over 400 miles with its high-power hydrogen fuel cell and proven electric powertrain. Both buses are available in multiple configurations for passenger seating and wheelchair accommodation.{{cite web |title=Zero Emission |url=https://revgroup.com/enc-to-display-axess-evo-be-and-axess-evo-fc-buses-at-apta/ |publisher=REV}} ==Deployment== thumb|left|ENC Axess bus operated by LA Metro 125 Axess buses were shipped to airport facilities in California and Florida in 2004 and 2005. Some of the buses shipped to [Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport](/source/Fort_Lauderdale%E2%80%93Hollywood_International_Airport) had diesel-electric hybrid powertrains.{{cite report |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0507/05070986.pdf#page=14 |title=Annual Report |date=2005 |publisher=Thor Industries |access-date=4 February 2021}} One of the largest operators of the ENC Axess is the [Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority](/source/Los_Angeles_County_Metropolitan_Transportation_Authority), located close to the ENC plant in Riverside. LA Metro has purchased nearly 600 CNG-powered, 40-foot buses, comprising over 25% of the agency's bus fleet.{{Cite web |title=REV Group Subsidiary ElDorado National-California (ENC) Learns of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Approval of Recommendation for Award of Contract |url=https://investors.revgroup.com/investor-releases/2017/06-23-2017-010155488 |access-date=2021-11-17 |website=investors.revgroup.com |language=en}} ===Fuel Cell bus operators=== Before FC3 entered revenue service with SunLine Transit as the first fuel cell Axess, the E-Z Rider II-based ThunderVolt bus had been assigned SunLine Transit fleet number FC1 in 2002,{{cite report |url=https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/34379.pdf |title=Fuel Cell Transit Buses: ThunderPower Bus Evaluation at SunLine Transit Agency |last1=Chandler |first1=Kevin |last2=Eudy |first2=Leslie |date=November 2003 |publisher=National Renewable Energy Laboratory}} and a subsequent [New Flyer Industries](/source/New_Flyer_Industries) [H40LFR](/source/New_Flyer_Low_Floor)-based bus (originally built for [BC Transit](/source/BC_Transit)) was tested and assigned FC2.{{cite report |title=SunLine Transit Agency Advanced Technology Fuel Cell Bus Evaluation: Fourth Results Report |last1=Eudy |first1=Leslie |last2=Chandler |first2=Kevin |date=January 2013 |publisher=National Renewable Energy Laboratory |doi=10.2172/1083361 |osti=1083361}} SunLine received eight additional AFCBs with the same drivetrain as FC3 and improvements to the battery and fuel cell cooling systems{{rp|4–5}} between 2014 and 2018, which were assigned fleet numbers FC4 through FC12 (skipping FC7).{{cite report |title=SunLine Transit Agency American Fuel Cell Bus Progress Report, Data Period Focus: January 2017–July 2019 |last1=Eudy |first1=Leslie |last2=Post |first2=Matthew |date=April 2020 |publisher=National Renewable Energy Laboratory |doi=10.2172/1659871 |osti=1659871}}{{rp|10}} FC7 was a variant of the Axess-based AFCB, built as a "battery dominant" bus with a lower fuel cell output.{{cite web |last=Le Flore |first=Rudy |date=June 6, 2019 |title=Today's Transit for Tomorrow's World: Making the Case for Hydrogen Bus Technology |url=https://caltransit.org/cta/assets/File/Webinar%20Elements/CTA-CHBC%20Webinar%201%20-%20Hydrogen%20101.pdf#page=29 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=California Transit Association}} Unlike FC3, which had its powertrain and fuel cell installed in New York, the subsequent AFCBs were all assembled entirely at ElDorado National's Riverside, California factory.{{cite report |title=American Fuel Cell Bus Project Evaluation: Second Report |last1=Eudy |first1=Leslie |last2=Post |first2=Matthew |date=September 2015 |publisher=National Renewable Energy Laboratory |doi=10.2172/1225502 |osti=1225502 |doi-access=free}} By July 2018, ENC had produced 20 fuel cell buses for transit agencies throughout California,{{cite press release |title=Ballard-Powered El Dorado Fuel Cell Electric Buses Ready to Deliver Zero-Emission Transit Throughout California |date=July 16, 2018 |publisher=Ballard Power Systems |url=https://www.ballard.com/about-ballard/newsroom/news-releases/2018/07/17/ballard-powered-el-dorado-fuel-cell-electric-buses-ready-to-deliver-zero-emission-transit-throughout-california |access-date=1 February 2021}} including SunLine, [UC Irvine](/source/University_of_California%2C_Irvine) (2015),{{cite news |date=May 4, 2015 |title=UC Irvine debuts zero-emission fuel cell bus powered by Ballard |url=https://www.metro-magazine.com/10037002/uc-irvine-debuts-zero-emission-fuel-cell-bus-powered-by-ballard |access-date=4 February 2021 |work=Metro Magazine}} and [OCTA](/source/Orange_County_Transportation_Authority) (2016).{{cite press release |title=Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Electric Bus Service Begins in Orange County, California |date=May 26, 2016 |publisher=Center for Transportation and the Environment |url=https://cte.tv/zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-bus-service-begins-in-orange-county-california/ |access-date=4 February 2021}} Also in 2018, the AFCB/Axess-FC was the first fuel cell bus to complete the heavy-duty transit bus (12-year/{{convert|500000|mi|abbr=on}} lifecycle) testing at [Altoona, Pennsylvania](/source/Altoona%2C_Pennsylvania).{{cite press release |title=ENC's hydrogen powered bus, the Axess-FC, becomes first transit bus to complete Altoona testing |date=August 15, 2018 |publisher=REV Group |url=https://www.revgroup.com/rev-sustainability-news-single/enc-transit-bus-completes-altoona-testing |access-date=1 February 2021}} In 2017, [MBTA bus](/source/MBTA_bus) operations announced plans to test an AFCB/Axess;{{cite web |date=May 2017 |title=Massachusetts Fuel Cell Bus Project |url=https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/68406.pdf |access-date=1 February 2021 |publisher=National Renewable Energy Laboratory}} an earlier MBTA fuel cell bus was designed in 2008 with a Nuvera/Fiat fuel cell and a BAE HybriDrive hybrid powertrain.{{cite report |url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/FTA_Report_No._0014.pdf |title=FTA Fuel Cell Bus Program: Research Accomplishments through 2011 |last1=Chandler |first1=Kevin L. |last2=Eudy |first2=Leslie |date=March 2012 |publisher=Federal Transit Administration |access-date=4 February 2021}}{{rp|33}} ==Competition== * [Gillig Low Floor](/source/Gillig_Low_Floor) * [Proterra ZX5](/source/Proterra_ZX5) * [New Flyer Xcelsior](/source/New_Flyer_Xcelsior) * [New Flyer Low Floor](/source/New_Flyer_Low_Floor) - Discontinued (1991–2014) * [Nova Bus LFS](/source/Nova_Bus_LFS) - Discontinued in United States (1996-2025) * [NABI LFW](/source/NABI_LFW) - Discontinued (1997–2015) * [Neoplan AN440L](/source/Neoplan_Transliner_(North_America)) - Discontinued (1981–2006) * [Orion VII](/source/Orion_VII) - Discontinued (2001–2013) ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category|ElDorado Axess}} * {{cite web |title=Axess |url=https://www.eldorado-ca.com/heavy-duty-bus |access-date=27 January 2021 |publisher=ElDorado National}} * {{cite web |title=Axess-FC |url=https://www.eldorado-ca.com/hydrogen-hybrid-bus |access-date=27 January 2021 |publisher=ElDorado National}} * {{cite web |date=February 2006 |title=Axess (brochure) |url=http://development.enconline.com:80/Documents/AXESS%20brochure%20from%20Thor%20(4-2006).pdf |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326184633/http://development.enconline.com:80/Documents/AXESS%20brochure%20from%20Thor%20(4-2006).pdf |archive-date=March 26, 2010 |publisher=ElDorado National Online}} * {{cite web |date=July 1, 2016 |title=Buyer's Order Contract and Purchasing Specification |url=http://burbank.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=7431&meta_id=297968 |access-date=2 February 2021 |publisher=City of Burbank}} Category:Buses of the United States Category:Vehicles introduced in 2003 Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [ENC Axess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENC_Axess) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENC_Axess?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.