START Bus and Proterra unveiled the state of Wyoming’s first battery-electric bus Nov. 12. This is the first of eight Proterra ZX5 transit buses coming to the agency and will be the first ZX5 buses deployed in the U.S.
START Bus will put the buses into service in late November.
On Nov. 19, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities will host a webinar with Proterra representatives sharing specifics about the electric bus deployment in Teton County and the premiere of a video about the project.
“START Bus and the town of Jackson are thrilled to add battery-electric buses to our fleet. These buses will provide cost effective, clean, efficient transportation and help START reduce emissions to improve air quality,” said Darren Brugmann, START Bus director. “START is committed to transitioning 40 percent of its fleet to electric by 2022 and deploying these first eight buses is a major step toward that goal.”
START selected the 40-foot Proterra ZX5 MAX battery-electric transit bus with 660 kWh of onboard energy and the DuoPower™ drivetrain.
The Proterra ZX5 MAX can deliver up to 329 miles of drive range, according to the company.
Proterra says the DuoPower drivetrain delivers nearly twice the horsepower and five times better fuel efficiency than a standard diesel engine. It features two electric motors that deliver 550 horsepower, accelerating a ZX5 bus from 0 to 20 mph in under six seconds.
In addition, the DuoPower can propel a bus up a 25-percent grade, making it an option for routes with steep hills. By combining this drivetrain with Proterra’s battery technology and lightweight composite bus body, this vehicle is designed to tackle Jackson’s routes and winter climate, says START Bus.
START utilized Proterra’s battery lease program to help lower the upfront price of their buses and ensure funding to deploy eight at once, representing one-third of START’s total fleet.
“Proterra is excited to partner with START to bring the first battery-electric transit buses to Wyoming and deliver clean, quiet transportation to local riders,” said John Walsh, Proterra senior vice president.
