Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA



When you think about electric vehicles with which to set distance records, transit buses probably aren't the first things that spring to mind. Yet, that's exactly what Proterra used to set a new high-water mark of 700-miles-in-24-hours recently and, upon some reflection, it makes a whole lot of sense.

Firstly, buses are what the South Carolina-based company produces, so of course that's what they would use to set a record with - duh! Seriously though, the approach Proterra has taken to achieve a highly-efficient people mover - extreme light-weighting through the use of a composite body and a relatively small battery that can be charged fast and often - is one that goes against the more traditional approach of stuffing as many batteries as possible into the floor of a conventional chassis. So, putting it to the test of distance over elapsed time seems quite apropos.

During the feat, the EcoRide BE-35 traveled at an average of 29 miles per hour with, notably, the HVAC system engaged. Not only did it roll more than 700 miles, it got an estimated 27 MPGe while doing so. A typical diesel-powered bus would return something closer to 6 miles per gallon (some sources report much less, even.) This, obviously, is a big win for fueling costs and environmental impact on city air.

You can read the official press release by scrolling below, where it awaits along with a video showing a Proterra bus doing its fast-charge thing through an overhead setup.Continue reading Proterra sets electric bus distance record, goes 700 miles in 24 hours

Proterra sets electric bus distance record, goes 700 miles in 24 hours originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 May 2014 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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