Broward County Transit (BCT) has agreed to purchase 12, 40-foot Proterra® ZX5™ battery-electric transit buses with 660 kWh of onboard energy and the DuoPower™ drivetrain. With this purchase, Proterra has now sold more than 1,000 battery-electric transit buses in North America.
Since 1997, Broward County has taken many voluntary actions to reduce greenhouse gases. By 2030, Broward County plans to purchase only zero-emissions electric fleet and transit vehicles.
“Delivering clean, quiet transportation for all is an opportunity to meet the needs of our communities while protecting our environment and public health,” said Proterra CEO Jack Allen. “With more than 1,000 battery-electric buses sold, Proterra is driving this transition to 100 percent clean transportation. Together with innovative transit leaders like Broward County, we are demonstrating that the time for clean transportation is now.”
Introduced in September, the Proterra ZX5 features more energy storage and a longer drive range. Proterra says the DuoPower drivetrain delivers nearly twice the horsepower and five times better fuel efficiency than a standard diesel engine. The DuoPower drivetrain features two electric motors that deliver a 550 horsepower, accelerating a ZX5 bus from zero to 20 mph in under six seconds.
Manufactured in the United States, Proterra says its battery-electric buses feature zero tailpipe emissions, saving approximately 230,000 pounds of greenhouse gases annually when replacing a diesel bus. The purpose-built electric buses offer a quieter ride for reduced noise pollution, greater efficiency and lower operating costs with fewer parts compared to combustion engine vehicles.
The Proterra ZX5 features Proterra battery systems, which are designed for safety, durability and efficiency. Proterra batteries are manufactured with safety mechanisms built directly into the battery architecture and have undergone testing to ensure they can withstand a full-service life under tough conditions.
