Proterra has announced the first sale of its second-generation battery-electric bus to Foothill Transit of West Covina, California. Foothill Transit, which became Proterra’s first customer in 2010, has agreed to purchase two more buses from the company, to be delivered in December.

The new model has a 220 kW peak permanent magnet motor, a Proterra 2-speed auto-shift transmission, and an LTO energy storage system. Fuel economy (with full passenger load and HVAC) is 20.8 MPGe (1.81 kWh/mile), which the company claims represents the highest fuel efficiency and lowest cost per passenger mile of any bus on the market.

The Proterra bus also features a fast-charge system that allows the bus to stay on the road, with no need to pause for long charging periods. Range is 26 miles per fast charge, or 300+ miles per day.

“These buses are a much needed innovative step for our region,” said Foothill Transit’s Doug Tessitor. “These vehicles are part of our commitment to sustainability and clean air. We want our communities, our neighbors, to be proud of their public transit system. These new buses will debut here first and we’re very excited to see them on the road.”

“Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it requires partnership,” said Proterra CEO Ryan Popple. “Proterra understands the unique needs of the transit industry, and we are proud of the strong partnerships we have developed with agencies like Foothill Transit and pleased with the positive results these partnerships have already achieved in terms of reducing energy costs and minimizing environmental impact.”

Source: Proterra, Green Car Congress