Proterra LLC, a Colorado-based manufacturer of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle systems and transit buses, and Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (Altairnano) (NASDAQ: ALTI), a leading provider of energy storage systems for clean, efficient power and energy management, today introduced to Washington DC policymakers the only made-in-America electric rapid-charge hybrid bus that meets California's zero emission rules.
Proterra's initial product, a thirty-five foot all-electric transit bus, has been designed from the ground up to enable transit agencies to replace conventional diesel buses on a one-for-one basis with the world's first all-electric buses operating 24/7. This is accomplished by combining Proterra's light-weight composite body, highly efficient ProDriveTM, advanced TerraVoltTM energy storage system (powered by Altairnano batteries) and on-route rooftop FastChargingTM station to charge the batteries in 5-10 minutes. The vehicle achieves between 18 and 29 miles per gallon diesel fuel equivalent fully loaded with 68 passengers - 500% better than a comparable diesel bus.
Production of Proterra's transit bus using lithium-titanate batteries supplied by Altairnano could create over 6,000 green jobs in 21 states. A fleet of 500 buses operating over 12 years could cut emissions of CO2 by 840,000 tons and reduce oil consumption by 82 million gallons.
"In addition to our advanced control systems, composite materials and overall design, Altairnano is providing a key building block with their unique, safe and long-lasting lithium-titanate batteries that make it possible for us to offer an ultra fast charging system that eliminates emissions for the world's heavy duty vehicles" said Jeffery Granato, Proterra's President and CEO. "To meet their stringent zero emission standards, California will be one of the first areas of the country to deploy this fast-charge battery-electric transit bus."
"Altairnano is extremely excited that Proterra selected our battery to power this remarkable vehicle," said Terry Copeland, President and CEO, Altairnano. "Proterra has designed a bus that will not only mean more green jobs for us and their other suppliers," continued Copeland, "but will put our nation at the forefront of producing state-of-the-art technology to address our most pressing environmental challenges."
Currently, 23 public transit agencies in 11 states (California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington) and the District of Columbia have submitted grant requests to obtain funds to purchase Proterra buses and charging stations. Additionally, Proterra is negotiating to supply the buses to several international customers.
In Washington for the week, Proterra and Altairnano executives and representatives of the Center for Transportation and Environment held meetings and bus tours with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy, leaders in the House of Representatives, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.