New Flyer Electrifies US DOT Earth Day Fair with New e-bus for WMATA

New Flyer Industries Inc. (New Flyer) signaled its expansion in electric mass transportation, showcasing the Xcelsior XE40 electric bus it has delivered to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) Earth Day Fair.

The Earth Day Fair is designed for US DOT employees to learn about energy-efficient products that help improve air quality and the environment.

“New Flyer is honored to make its debut with WMATA at DOT Earth Day, especially as the zero-emission electric bus continues to gain popularity with transit authorities and their ridership,” said Joe Gibson, New Flyer vice president of national sales. “We have unique strengths in this marketplace — the reliable Xcelsior is supported by the largest parts and 24/7 service support operation in North America. It’s important to have the right equipment as more of our customers move towards electric propulsion, but essential to offer an electric bus service and training infrastructure that never sleeps.”

Gibson led the tour of the electric bus today in front of US DOT headquarters in downtown Washington, noting that WMATA’s Xcelsior XE40 bus is equipped with New Flyer Connect, an onboard telematics systems and support service that will allow real-time remote monitoring of the battery-electric vehicle for optimal management and operational efficiency.

New Flyer is the leader in zero and low-emission electric transit buses, having delivered over 6,400 buses with electric propulsion systems including electric-trolley, electric-hybrid, fuel cell- electric, and battery-electric buses in 35, 40 and 60-foot configurations. “New Flyer’s electric solutions cover all major group and mass transit needs,” said Gibson.

New Flyer’s Xcelsior XE40 battery-electric 40-foot bus accommodates 76 passengers (40 seated). WMATA is the second major metropolitan transit fleet in the United States to place New Flyer’s battery-electric bus in service.