Heavy-duty EV builder Proterra has unveiled a new, high-power charging solution designed to facilitate the electrification of large-scale vehicle fleets. Developed in partnership with power systems design specialist Power Electronics, the new charging system offers transit agencies and fleet operators a customizable vehicle charging solution.

The new Proterra Energy charging systems can be configured at a broad range of power levels. For large fleets of vehicles, which need to charge dozens or hundreds of vehicles in a single fleet yard, the new systems can be configured with up to 1.5 megawatts to power up to 20 vehicles simultaneously. This fleet-scale charging system can tie directly into higher-voltage utility power lines (up to 35 kV), avoiding the footprint and complication of costly switchgear.

Smaller EV fleets can choose systems with 75-, 150-, 250- and 500-kilowatt power levels.

The new chargers use interoperable, universal charging technology, and are equipped to power any and all types of EVs. They are available in both overhead and plug-in formats. They feature bi-directional power flow, making them smart-grid-ready for vehicle-to-grid applications.

All Proterra systems can incorporate multi-dispensers, which can reduce the overall space, cost, and aggregate power levels needed by a fleet yard. When coupled with the 1.5-megawatt charging system, the multi-dispenser capability enables up to 40 vehicles to charge sequentially, one after the other, at full power.

Leveraging Power Electronics’ technology, the new chargers have the capability to interconnect with stationary storage and solar panels to provide fleet operators with a clean, resilient source of power for their vehicles.

Source: Proterra