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ELECTRIC BUS manufacturer focuses on clean energy solutions that have an environmental impact with zero emissions; make buses lighter and perform better and safer; and deliver significant value in operating costs and energy savings. The manufacturer enables 10 minute on-route charging, faster than a mobile phone, according to Bennett. "Proterra's solution is very focused around what operators need, which is a quick recharge time and an ability to run 24/7," he says. Range varies, though, because in some operations, buses need to run 20 hours to 24 hours a day. "We've worked [with] the infrastructure charging system to make it easy, provide a turnkey solution vehicle, project manage it, install it, and work with city utility people and the agency," Bennett explains. "It's new to them. They are used to [installing] a CNG or diesel station, and now, they're putting in a connection to an electric grid." Proterra increased safety features for the EcoRide BE35 battery system, designing it to be fireproof, and placed the batteries down low between the wheels for vehicle stability. The durable vehicle bodies are all-composites, made of carbon and other fibers. "We are excited to have a great set of customers and working on the deployment of more vehicles in the industry," Bennett adds. "It takes a while for the early adopters to work through the startup issues you always have. Proterra's made phenomenal progress in the last year-and-a-half, focusing on reliability and affordability." Seneca will be the sixth agency to use the buses. Other Proterra allelectric vehicles in operation, or going into operation at other transit agencies, include Calif.'s Foothill Transit and Stockton Transit; Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada; San Antonio, Texas-based VIA Metropolitan Transit; Worchester Mass.'s Worchester Regional Transit Authority; and Tallahassee, Fla.'s StarMetro. "A lot of other customers are try- ing [a few] and seeing if electric meets their requirements," Shackleton says. "The City of Seneca and Catbus jumped in with both feet and gave us a huge vote of confidence. Our other customers are out there working with us; it's just that [Seneca and Catbus are] small transit operations, but they're going in 100%." Proterra is continually developing the technology to get more range and efficiency out of the vehicle; drive down the cost of purchase and ownership; and get the electric bus to be the number one choice for transit agencies, Bennett adds. BENEFITS Both Bennett and Thomas Small, director, new product development, New Flyer, agree that transit seems ideal for electric bus use, since most routes are very predictable, allowing the driver to charge the bus at set times. The EcoRide BE35's on-route charging feature can keep it on the road all day and recharge in three minutes to NEW FLYER BATTERY ELECTRIC RETAINS POPULAR XCELSIOR FEATURES The XE40 ofers all the same Xcelsior features and is more cost-efective and eco-friendly. New Flyer's Xcelsior XE40 battery electric, heavy-duty transit bus features the same platform as all its other Xcelsior products, including the air system, axles, wheels and tires, so customers get the same tried-and-true product with the added advantages of even more environmentally-friendly and costeffective propulsion; an electronic instrument panel and LED headlights; and interior lighting, Thomas Small, director, new product development, New Flyer, says. 22 < mETRO mAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 Another beneft to the XE40 is being able to use the same technicians that work on other Xcelsior vehicles. Additionally, being an Xcelsior, the vehicle is inherently lighter as part of the model's design. New Flyer has a contract with Chicago Transit Authority for two XE40 buses and received funding for a few Winnipeg Transit buses. metro-magazine.com