Automotive

Proterra doubles the drivetrain of its high-performance electric bus

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Proterra's new drivetrain gives its Catalyst E2 max bus with an efficiency of 26.1 MPGe
Proterra's new drivetrain equips its Catalyst E2 Max bus with a nominal range of 426 mi (660 km)
Proterra has announced a new dual-motor drivetrain for its electric buses
Proterra's new drivetrain gives its Catalyst E2 max bus with an efficiency of 26.1 MPGe
Proterra's electric buses have been impressing since they rolled onto the scene a couple of years ago
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Proterra's electric buses have been impressing since they rolled onto the scene a couple of years ago, posting a series of massive range-test results including a 1,101.2-mile (1,772-km) effort last month. The company has now announced a new dual-motor drivetrain, which it says will further increase the power and efficiency of its battery-electric buses.

When Proterra's Catalyst E2 max managed its 1,100-mile run last month, it set a new record for electric vehicles. The company has now confirmed that powering the bus through this journey was its new DuoPower drivetrain, which it claims makes the Catalyst five times more efficient than a standard diesel bus and 20 percent more efficient than its own standard drivetrain.

Featuring two electric motors delivering 510 hp (375 kW), the DuoPower drivetrain pushes the catalyst bus from 0-20 mph (0-32 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and up 26 percent inclines, which Proterra claims is twice the performance of a standard 35- or 40-foot diesel bus.

The new drivetrain also equips the bus with an efficiency of 26.1 MPGe and a nominal range of 426 mi (660 km), which as the company points out, would easily cover the distance of most North American transit routes.

Proterra has announced a new dual-motor drivetrain for its electric buses

"Proterra's DuoPower drivetrain unlocks new route opportunities. The link between Salt Lake City and Park City on I-80 through Parleys Canyon is an important route for us," says Park City Transit operations team leader Destry Pollard, referring to a hilly 32-mile (51-km) link between the two locations. "Now, with the new drivetrain, this is achievable with electric buses. We've been really impressed with the way Proterra Catalyst buses have handled mountain roads, and are pleased we can provide state-of-the-art performance, while preserving local air quality here in Park City."

Source: Proterra

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3 comments
xs400
For some applications, a trolleybus type of arrangement would be more suitable.
ljaques
Like cities need a bus which will get a good quarter-mile drag race time. Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Just double the battery size and get on with it, if you're having range issues. Otherwise, lower the price and make them ubiquitous. Green is good. Greed is not. Shame, shame, Proterra. You probably redesigned the bus, requiring all new purchases instead of lowering the cargo area, huh? Tsk, tsk.
swaan
@xs400 - Trolleys are great until road work or an accident happens to block the route. You can't change the route either. The lines and supporting structures are also an eyesore in my opinion.