Proterra Catalyst

Proterra Catalyst
Proterra Catalyst
	A Catalyst BE40 on a test run in Washington
Overview
Manufacturer	Proterra, Inc.
Body and chassis
Class	Transit bus
Layout	RR
Powertrain
Engine	UQM Technologies PP220 traction motor
Transmission	Eaton EEV-7202
Dimensions
Wheelbase	296.5 in (7.53 m)
Length	BE40: 42 ft (13 m); BE35: 36 ft (11 m)
Width	102 in (2.59 m)
Height	134 in (3.40 m)
Curb weight	27,370 lb (12,400 kg) (BE40);
Chronology
Predecessor	Proterra EcoRide
Successor	Proterra ZX5

The Proterra Catalyst is a battery-electric bus built by Proterra from 2014 to 2020.

History

In 2014 Proterra introduced the Catalyst, a fast-charge 100% electric bus to replace the EcoRide BE35. The bus was built on the EcoRide's design and engineering and delivered a longer, lighter and more fuel-efficient bus. The second-generation bus measures 40 ft (12 m) and weighs approximately 27,000 lb (12,000 kg). The bus is built from lightweight, durable carbon composite. The overall lower weight helps reduce wear and tear on streets. It has no tailpipe and runs virtually silent.

Specifications

With the on-route fast charging system, the Catalyst can be operated continuously, 24/7, without the need to head to the depot for lengthy charge times. Catalyst buses equipped with the Fast Charge (FC) battery pack can charge at a rate of up to 500 kW.^[2] The company added a 35 ft (11 m) model of the Catalyst to its product line October 2015.

Catalyst is a modular system, offered with two different lengths, two different drivetrains, and seven different batteries, depending on the required passenger capacity, speed (hill performance),^[3] and range, respectively.^[4]

Batteries

Buses equipped with the FC (Fast Charge) family of batteries are intended for circulator routes; XR (eXtended Range) battery buses are intended for intermediate-mileage routes; and E2 (Efficient Energy) battery buses are intended for high-mileage routes.^[5] The buses were initially offered with lithium-titanate batteries, which Proterra redesignated the TerraVolt FC. The TerraVolt XR lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries^[2] were introduced in 2015 with improved range but slower charging,^[6] and the TerraVolt E2 batteries were introduced in 2016 with the longest range and slowest charging.^[5]

Batteries are carried under the Catalyst chassis, and use an interchangeable mounting system, so each Catalyst can hold between four and ten battery packs. The batteries can be swapped out, upgraded, or reconfigured as needs change.^[2]

En route charging

Buses can charge en route, allowing more trips and higher productivity. One common example is to have charging stations at major transit centers where electric buses run a lot. Two examples of this are the Washington Plaza Bus Terminal in New York and the Mill Woods Transit Center in Edmonton.

Replacement

On September 15, 2020, Proterra announced the replacement to the Catalyst, the ZX5. The ZX5 40' replaced the BE40 and the ZX5 35' replaced the BE35. Edmonton Transit Service was the launch customer, ordering 40 ZX5 40' buses.