Proterra Battery System For New Van Hool E-Bus

Proterra, the California-based provider of heavy-duty electric transportation vehicles and technology, announced that Belgian bus and coach manufacturer Van Hool NV has selected Proterra to provide its battery platform for Van Hool’s first all-electric motor coach.

Van Hool’s new CX Series electric vehicle will utilize the same E2 battery technology from Proterra that recently achieved 1101.2 miles on a single charge. Bus operators will be able to test drive the all-electric CX45E coach at the Van Hool factory in late 2018, with deliveries beginning in 2019. A shorter CX35E coach model will be introduced shortly thereafter.

One of Europe’s major providers of mass transportation solutions, Van Hool, in partnership with its exclusive U.S. distributor ABC Bus Companies Inc., has supplied more than 10,000 coaches and buses to the U.S. market, serving a number of large Silicon Valley corporate-sponsored commuter shuttles and other customers. Spurred by corporate customer demand for all-electric vehicle options, Van Hool selected Proterra for its demonstrated leadership within the heavy-duty electric vehicle industry and market-leading battery expertise.

“Van Hool is truly excited and proud to partner up with Proterra, a pioneering company in the development and production of battery technology,” said Filip Van Hool, CEO of Van Hool. “The diesel CX45 coach has a proven track record and has become a benchmark coach in its own right in the industry.

“Integrating Proterra’s proven battery technology in the CX will take this coach to the next level. It is a clear statement as to Van Hool’s long-term commitment to the North American coach market and a testament to Van Hool’s responsiveness to the overall demand for zero-emission vehicles at large and over-the-road coaches in particular.”

The Van Hool corporate coach is designed for long-range, intercity travel. The new CX45E and CX35E models will be co-branded with Proterra and will utilize Van Hool’s proven CX platform. ABC Bus Companies has helped Van Hool for the last three decades to establish distribution, sales, parts and service networks, and will continue to forge new market adoption with the CX Series.

Incorporating Proterra’s advanced electric vehicle technology, the Van Hool CX45E is designed to be the most efficient and highest performing long-range e-coach offered in the U.S. market.

“Entering the motor coach market and electrifying more fleets alongside Van Hool, a proven market leader, is a key milestone for Proterra and for the heavy-duty electric transportation industry,” said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. “Having proven our EV technology in transit, we’re pleased to expand our reach and help other heavy-duty commercial vehicle applications go electric.”