New Flyer of America unveils next battery-powered transit bus

© Shutterstock

New Flyer of America, Inc, a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries, Inc., recently introduced the next generation of its battery-electric, heavy-duty transit bus called the Xcelsior CHARGE.

First unveiled in 2012, New Flyer said it spent the past five years researching, developing, and testing to improve the vehicle’s design and performance. The Xcelsior CHARGE is now available in 35, 40, and 60-foot articulated bus rapid transit models.

The vehicle features an industry-best entry ramp ratio of 1:7 for passengers with mobility assist devices as well as best-in-class passenger carrying capacity with up to 83 passengers both standing and seated.

Xcelsior’s extended range configurations allow for up to 600 kilowatt hours (kWh) battery capacity, which provides a range of more than 200 miles on a single charge based on Federal Transit Administration testing protocols.

“At New Flyer of America we’re working hard to provide transit authorities and their passengers with more attractive transportation options that they can feel good about,” New Flyer of America President Wayne Joseph said. “We’re committed to supporting healthy communities through manufacturing leading zero-emission bus technology in America.”

New Flyer Industries, Inc. is the largest transit bus and motorcoach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, with more than 31 manufacturing and distribution service centers employing more than 5,800 personnel.