Automotive

Gaffoglio throws some style at the electric bus

Gaffoglio throws some style at the electric bus
Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters revealed its electric bus prototype at a private event in April
Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters revealed its electric bus prototype at a private event in April
View 26 Images
Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters revealed its electric bus prototype at a private event in April
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Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters revealed its electric bus prototype at a private event in April
The Gaffoglio bus design includes a glass cockpit and central driving position
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The Gaffoglio bus design includes a glass cockpit and central driving position
A few more curves and creases than the average bus
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A few more curves and creases than the average bus
Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters designed the bus prototype for sustainable-energy company Thunder Sky Winston Energy Group
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Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters designed the bus prototype for sustainable-energy company Thunder Sky Winston Energy Group
The 96 Winston batteries are integrated in the bus's chassis
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The 96 Winston batteries are integrated in the bus's chassis
Gaffolgio e-bus prototype
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Gaffolgio e-bus prototype
The driver enjoys a central position with plenty of tech
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The driver enjoys a central position with plenty of tech
Gaffloglio and Thunder Sky said in announcing the bus that they plan to pursue production and worldwide distribution but didn't have a timeline to offer us
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Gaffloglio and Thunder Sky said in announcing the bus that they plan to pursue production and worldwide distribution but didn't have a timeline to offer us
A peak at the driver's seat
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A peak at the driver's seat
At the wheel
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At the wheel
The passenger area blends quilted seats, laminate flooring and Alcantara trim for an unexpectedly elegant look
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The passenger area blends quilted seats, laminate flooring and Alcantara trim for an unexpectedly elegant look
Not a bad-looking bus bathroom
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Not a bad-looking bus bathroom
Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
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Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
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Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
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Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
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Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio CAD
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Gaffloglio CAD
Gaffloglio CAD
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Gaffloglio CAD
Gaffloglio adds a little style and identity to the electric bus
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Gaffloglio adds a little style and identity to the electric bus
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
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Gaffloglio builds the electric bus prototype
View gallery - 26 images

Not every electric vehicle is stylish, or even vaguely attractive, but electric sports sedans, high-powered electric mountain bikes and high-tech folding e-scooters help make their respective corners of the zero-emissions market a little sexier. The electric bus segment, on the other hand, is less likely to benefit from smooth, eye-tantalizing curves. California's Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters aims to change that with a sleek, all-electric bus prototype that might just inspire you ditch to your sports car for a bus pass.

Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters may not be a household automotive name, but it has a history of working with car companies from 1979. Since that time, it's developed concept cars and prototypes for major automakers and brands, drawing up a resume that includes Fisker's Ford Mustang Rocket. It's also branched out into other markets, including aerospace and entertainment.

Gaffoglio's latest creation was commissioned by Thunder Sky Winston Group, a Chinese sustainable-energy company specializing in battery storage and electric transportation. The 42-passenger bus prototype has 96 Winston lithium-iron-phosphate batteries integrated in its chassis, protected by fire-resistant carbon fiber casings and governed by an accompanying battery management system. The 1,000 Ah, 350V bus can travel for approximately 120 miles (193 km) per charge in its current form but plans call for a 250-mile (400-km) option. It weighs approximately 22.5 tons (20.4 tonnes).

The driver enjoys a central position with plenty of tech
The driver enjoys a central position with plenty of tech

Beyond that, available specifications remain limited at this prototype stage, but Gaffoglio's bus is rather fetching as is. The carbon fiber-heavy build features a sleek design with a large, curvaceous glasshouse around the central driving position. The front glass and nose are supported by a sweeping bumper/fender design with integrated headlamps.

Inside, a series of floating touchscreens stands between the driver and windscreen. Moving back, rows of quilted seats flank the wood-look laminate aisle, and a rather cozy bathroom in back looks like an inviting place to get business done – if you must do business on a bus. The walls and ceiling are trimmed in gray Alcantara for added luxury.

Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype
Inside the Gaffoglio/Thunder Sky electric bus prototype

Suffice it to say, this isn't the type of big, boxy bus you'd expect to arrive curbside when you're waiting at a terminal in an unfamiliar city. And it probably won't be. Gaffoglio and Thunder Sky revealed the prototype at Gaffoglio's Fountain Valley, California headquarters last month. While they mentioned intentions of bringing the bus to production and worldwide distribution, they haven't released the crucial details about when and how that might happen. So, for now, you're still stuck with an old, emissions-spewing box with nowhere near as nice a bathroom.

Source: Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters

View gallery - 26 images
6 comments
6 comments
Gizmowiz
Now if they would just start making Motorhomes with all EV power trains and 250+ mile ranges. What a blast that would be.
Derek Howe
VincentWolf - That actually would be pretty cool, with a Tesla Solar roof on it. Then the only thing you would have to plan out, would be the water & sewer stops.
Nickk
Seriously? It's hideous! Looks like a Dugong on wheels
Bob Flint
That solarium of a cockpit will render most of the displays unreadable in sunny conditions, also fry the driver not a single visor in sight, at least electro tint the front.
EcoLogical
VincentWolf: a BERV (Battery Electric RV) with 400+ km (250+ mile) is exactly what I'm looking for now that I'm retired :)
Gizmowiz
IF they did start making BERV's Ecological--I would imagine cars behind it won't mind since they won't be slowed down like they would behind gas and diesel RV's. Why go to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air when you get stuck on a 2 lane road with double yellow line behind an RV? Ugh.