Optimal EV

Optimal EV designs, engineers and builds low-floor shuttle buses and related mobility products in the United States. The company is based in Plymouth, Michigan. Its buses are used by transit agencies, universities, airports and other commercial fleets.

The Optimal LFe is an all-electric low-floor shuttle bus. The company calls it the world's first of its kind. It carries up to 20 passengers and has three mobility aid positions. Its range is more than 125 miles, and it reaches a full charge in about two hours with optional DC charging. The range figure is based on a standard test cycle with a 113 kWh battery.

The Optimal LFg is the gas-powered version of the low-floor shuttle. The company launched it in December 2025 to give fleets another fuel choice. It carries up to 22 passengers, has three mobility aid positions and runs on gasoline. The company says it moved from electric-only vehicles to multi-fuel platforms.

The Optimal E1 is a battery-electric cutaway chassis. It comes in 158 inch and 176 inch wheelbases and has a gradeability of 30 percent. It also offers more than 125 miles of range and a two hour DC charge. The company lists a G1 model as well.

Optimal also repowers existing vehicles. This work swaps in an electric drive for model years 2018 to 2023. The company says repowering extends the life of the vehicle. Range and charge times match the E1.

The company says its vehicles meet key rules for North America. These include the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Transport Canada standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act design standards, California Air Resources Board emissions rules and Buy America requirements. The company has a funding page to help fleets find money for electric vehicles.

Existing customers can use a customer portal and online service tools.

Services

• Electric low-floor shuttle buses
• Gas low-floor shuttle buses
• Battery-electric cutaway chassis
• Vehicle repower
• Fleet funding guidance
• Customer portal
• Service tools