Proterra, Altairnano Debut Electric Rapid-Charge Hybrid Bus

A 35 foot all-electric transit bus that meets California's zero emission rules

Colorado-based Proterra, a manufacturer of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle systems and transit buses, and Altair Nanotechnologies (Altairnano), that provides energy storage systems for clean, efficient power and energy management, has introduced the only made-in-America electric rapid-charge hybrid bus, that meets California's zero emission rules, to the Washington DC policymakers.

Proterra's initial product, a thirty-five foot all-electric transit bus, has been designed from the ground up to enable transit agencies to replace conventional diesel buses on a one-for-one basis with the world's first all-electric buses operating 24/7. This is accomplished by combining Proterra's light-weight composite body, ProDrive, TerraVolt energy storage system (powered by Altairnano batteries) and on-route rooftop FastCharging station to charge the batteries in 5-10 minutes.

The vehicle achieves between 18 and 29 miles per gallon diesel fuel equivalent fully loaded with 68 passengers, 500% better than a comparable diesel bus. A fleet of 500 buses operating over 12 years could cut emissions of CO2 by 840,000 tons and reduce oil consumption by 82 million gallons.

Jeffery Granato, president and chief executive officer of Proterra, said: In addition to our advanced control systems, composite materials and overall design, Altairnano is providing a key building block with their unique, safe and long-lasting lithium-titanate batteries that make it possible for us to offer an ultra fast charging system that eliminates emissions for the world's heavy duty vehicles. To meet their stringent zero emission standards, California will be one of the first areas of the country to deploy this fast-charge battery-electric transit bus.

Currently, 23 public transit agencies in 11 states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia have submitted grant requests to obtain funds to purchase Proterra buses and charging stations. Additionally, Proterra is negotiating to supply the buses to several international customers.