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For The Transit Fans: Manufacturer Profile: Proterra


Stalliongrad

1,908 views

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Proterra Inc, is an American manufacturer of all electric-powered transit vehicles and on route fast charging systems for those vehicles.

 

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Foothill Transit Proterra BE35 Ecoliner

 

Manufacturer Quick Facts:

 

Proterra Inc

Founded: 2004, in Golden, Colorado

Main Office: Greenville, South Carolina

Notable Product: BE35 Ecoliner

 

The Proterra Ecoliner is a zero emissions transit bus with fast charging capabilities. The Federal Government in its push to lower the carbon footprint sets aside money for the development of transit vehicles with zero or reduced emissions. Receiving funding through private investors and the Government, Proterra aims to provide transit vehicles to major agencies across the US and Canada. Proterra has taken a demonstrator to various transit agencies across the US and a few have taken orders for the bus.

 

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Equipment Profile: Ecoliner 40/V2

 

Type: Zero Emissions Single Deck Low Floor

Chassis: 40 or 35 Feet. Removable rear axle battery packs

Engine: 2 Low Voltage Group 31 700 12V Batteries, Separated Battery Temperature Management

Horsepower: 0-20 in 6.8 Seconds

Seating Capacity: 77, 40 Seated 37 Standing

Transmission: 220 kW Peak Permanent Magnet Drive Motor, 2 Speed Automatic

Length: 42 feet 6 inches

Width: 102 inches

 

Proterra hopes to eventually replace all other transit buses on the market by promising to save transit operators money. The bus itself is not what saves money but lower operating costs by saving money overtime. By not having to spend money on Diesel fuel, spare parts and maintenance usually associated with engine repair, Proterra claims their product will save companies money. The buses work by quick charging two very powerful rear axle mounted batteries. Roof mounted equipment makes contact with a charging station which can be placed on route at bus stops and charges in 5 minutes providing 26 miles per charge or 300 miles a day.

 

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Proterra Ecoliner 40 V2

 

On tour cross country Proterra has been only mildly successful as many transit operators are skeptical of the untested technology in a practical setting. Others cannot accept orders for a few years due to contracts with other companies for bus procurement. The only notable investor in this technology and Proterra being General Motors it will take time for it to catch on if it ever does.

 

 

Proterra Ecoliner 40 on Demonstration with SEPTA in Philadelphia

 

 

Proterra BE35's in use with Foothill Transit

 

 

My guess is that this bus will only be feasible by smaller transit agencies such as Municipalities due to the fact that charging will be an issue for larger metropolitan agencies.

6 Comments


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I'm not gonna lie, that is one weird looking bus. Almost as odd as a Cobus.

Anyway, I'd hate to be whoever has to come up with the cash to replace those batteries. ._. Would it not make more sense to imbed those charging station into the roadway?

  • Brohoof 1
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I'm not gonna lie, that is one weird looking bus. Almost as odd as a Cobus.

Anyway, I'd hate to be whoever has to come up with the cash to replace those batteries. ._. Would it not make more sense to imbed those charging station into the roadway?

 

Yes, i agree, like a 3rd rail for subway cars.

  • Brohoof 1
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I think there was some talk about one being in NYC recently, though only pictures exist of the Complete Coach Works New Flyer conversion appearing here and the BYD was the only electric bus confirmed to have demoed for the MTA.

 

Between these manufacturers, I'd rather the MTA send some of their oldest stuff to Complete Coach Works for electric conversion. Some crosstown routes like the M42 are very short and have low average speeds, making them perfect for such implementation. It costs less than ordering an all-new bus and extends the life of their old fleet, making them run like new again.

 

I like the idea of having induction grids for wireless charging, but I have no idea how they would do that on a city/state budget here. It's technologically feasible, but politics are all about the money.

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Between these manufacturers, I'd rather the MTA send some of their oldest stuff to Complete Coach Works for electric conversion. Some crosstown routes like the M42 are very short and have low average speeds, making them perfect for such implementation. It costs less than ordering an all-new bus and extends the life of their old fleet, making them run like new again.

Depends on what 'old stuff' you want to use.

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