Endera Secures $49M to Accelerate Growth as Leading EV Shuttle and School Bus Manufacturer

Endera’s announcement of securing $49 million in funding this week marks a significant milestone for the company. The $36 million equity investment, led by Magnetar, combined with the $13 million credit facility, will enable Endera to accelerate its manufacturing capabilities and expand its electric shuttle and school bus offerings. The involvement of strategic partners like Pulse Fund and Pritchard Auto Company, as well as the addition of Tenzin Seldon to Endera’s board, signals growing confidence in the company’s future.

This funding allows Endera to scale up operations at its Ohio facility, which will not only boost production but also create new jobs in the region. Endera’s transition from traditional internal combustion engine manufacturing to a vertically integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer positions it as a key player in the rapidly growing EV space, particularly in government-related sectors, which are increasingly demanding zero-emission vehicles.

The move also highlights Endera’s ability to blend its past expertise in ICE manufacturing with new electric vehicle technology to meet evolving market demands. This strategic blend of innovation and legacy strengths could propel Endera further into the EV market, especially as demand for sustainable transportation options continues to rise.

“This investment will support our mission to revolutionize the specialty vehicle industry and accelerate the transition to clean mobility,” said Endera CEO and founder John Walsh. “At a time when America needs to prioritize domestic manufacturing and sustainability, Endera is leading by example—creating jobs, driving economic growth, and providing cost-effective solutions all while advancing American ingenuity.”

Endera’s approach to building fully customizable electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) shuttles and school buses, coupled with its proprietary powertrain technology, places it in a strong position within the transportation sector. The focus on delivering best-in-class reliability, safety, and quality, along with the longest range and fastest charging times, ensures Endera’s vehicles stand out in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market.

“We see both commercial and climate value in Endera’s vertically integrated approach because it enables them to respond to customer needs with speed and precision,” said Tenzin Seldon, Founder & Managing Partner of Pulse Fund. “By offering a holistic solution, they’re not just filling in gaps in the commercial EV market but solving challenges at every level. We’re excited to support their next phase of growth and contribute to the broader push for nationwide electrification.”

In addition to high-performance vehicles, Endera has also integrated cutting-edge fleet management software, which is tailored to the transit sector. This real-time insights platform, which includes features like a rider app and streamlined service response, adds an additional layer of convenience and efficiency for fleet operators. This integrated approach is likely to appeal to transit agencies and other large-scale operators seeking a comprehensive solution that covers both the vehicles and the software to manage them efficiently.

Endera’s major achievements so far—such as delivering the largest deployment of electric shuttles at a US airport and being selected for the CalAct contract—demonstrate the company’s growing influence in the electric vehicle market. Winning the CalAct contract, in particular, is a notable milestone, as it is the largest state EV bus contract in US history, signaling strong demand for clean-energy transportation solutions.

The strategic decision to base manufacturing in Ohio at a former Philips plant, which is helping to revitalize the Rust Belt, underscores Endera’s commitment to local job creation and sustainable manufacturing. With a skilled workforce in Ohio and its 250,000 square foot facility, the company has significantly ramped up production, increasing output by 20-fold since acquiring the Winnebago Metro Titan group in 2021. This growth and focus on sustainability suggest that Endera is poised for continued success in the EV sector, particularly as the transition to clean energy continues to gain momentum across the US.