Proterra has unveiled a new battery design for the Catalyst XR transit vehicle at the American Public Transportation Association Bus and Paratransit Conference (APTA).
Within the same energy storage footprint as the original Catalyst XR, the battery-enhanced vehicle now holds 28% more energy at 330 kWh and a lightweight vehicle body. All current Catalyst XR customers will receive a complimentary upgrade to the higher energy level.
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“Our goal is to enable a complete replacement of fossil-fuelled transit vehicles,” said Proterra CEO, Ryan Popple.
“By steadily improving the range and charging capability of our purpose-built EV transit vehicles, we’re broadening the market for EV transit very quickly, enabling more cities and more routes to go zero emission sooner.”
Since establishing its battery-engineering lab in Silicon Valley, Proterra has attracted engineers from leading technology companies to design batteries specifically for heavy-duty EV transit.
With background in mechanical, electrical and battery systems engineering, the team designed a new Catalyst XR battery pack, which now delivers additional range while remaining the lightest vehicle in its class.
“By increasing the battery’s energy density, the team was able to utilise the Catalyst vehicle’s design and maintain its light weight,” said Proterra CTO, Gary Horvat.
“The improved Catalyst XR marks another step toward Proterra’s goal of providing a high-performance bus that can serve any transit route in the US.”
