New Flyer Xcelsior

For example, a New Flyer XE40 CHARGE NG is a 40-foot (nominal) rigid Next Generation Xcelsior with battery-electric power, or an XN60 is a 60-foot articulated Original Generation Xcelsior with CNG power. All power sources have 40- and 60-foot models, but not all power sources have 35-foot models: XHE35s (hydrogen-powered) and XT35s (trolleybus) do not exist.

The Xcelsior was introduced October 2008 APTA Expo held in San Diego. The Xcelsior started off as a set of improvements to the company's prior product, the New Flyer Low Floor, but over the development process the company said it ended up designing a new bus. Compared to the Low Floor, the Xcelsior was 10% lighter, boosting fuel economy by about 7%.{{cite magazine|author1=Starcic, Janna|author2=Roman, Alex|author3=Schlosser, Nicole|date=November–December 2008|title=Transportation's Green Future on Display at APTA EXPO|url=https://www.metro-magazine.com/resources/metro_apta08.pdf|magazine=Metro Magazine|pages=20–50|access-date=December 10, 2018}}

The bus was also designed to allow a much larger cooling system and the addition of a SCR system, both required to meet the more stringent EPA mandates that were coming in 2010. To accommodate the change, the Thermo King air conditioning system was moved from the rear of the bus to a roof mount location over the front axle. New Flyer found that the move improved the weight balance of the bus, and when combined with enhanced insulation, contributed to the vehicle running quieter.{{cite web|author=Hubbard, David|date=March 1, 2009|title=Xcelsior gives a spirited ride|url=https://busride.com/xcelsior-gives-a-spirited-ride/|access-date=December 10, 2018|work=Bus Ride}}

The interior of the bus was also modified. By moving the fuel tank and modifying the rear suspension, seating capacity was increased from 39 to 42 (on the 40-foot model), with more forward-facing seats. To improve accessibility, the floor height was lowered to {{Convert|14|in}} with the ability to kneel down to {{Convert|10|in}}, and the front entry door was widened, allowing a wider wheelchair ramp. To improve interior aesthetics, visible fasteners were eliminated and molded plastic surfaces were introduced. The utilitarian instrument panel was replaced with an automotive-style electronic dashboard.

The bus also had a redesigned front face, bumpers, and roof shrouds that also offered better aerodynamics and the front improved visibility for the driver.

At launch, the Xcelsior was only available in a {{Convert|40|ft|adj=on}} length with power from the Cummins ISL 280 and a Allison B400 conventional transmission or the Allison EP-40 hybrid drive. Brampton Transit, serving Brampton, Ontario, was the first agency to order the Xcelsior.

The first trolleybus version of the Xcelsior was an XT40 built in 2014 for the Seattle trolleybus system, operated by King County Metro,{{cite news|author=|date=November–December 2014|title=Trolleynews [regular news section]|page=164|magazine=Trolleybus Magazine|publisher=National Trolleybus Association|number=318|location=UK|issn=0266-7452}} the first unit of an order placed in 2013.{{cite news|author=|date=September–October 2013|title=Trolleynews [regular news section]|pages=136–137|magazine=Trolleybus Magazine|publisher=National Trolleybus Association|number=311|location=UK|issn=0266-7452}} King County Metro also purchased the XT60 (articulated trolleybus), and both XT40s and XT60s were subsequently purchased by the San Francisco Municipal Railway, for the San Francisco trolleybus system.{{cite news|author=|date=September–October 2017|title=Trolleynews [regular news section]|page=197|magazine=Trolleybus Magazine|publisher=National Trolleybus Association|number=335|location=UK|issn=0266-7452}}

Beginning with the 2026 model year, the XDE60 will be discontinued as New Flyer was unable to find a powertrain compliant with new regulations taking effect around that time. With the 2027 model year, the XDE35 and XN35 will both be discontinued due to projected low demand. {{Cite web |date=August 1, 2024 |title=ICE powertrain portfolio. |url=https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2024/08/New-Flyer-ICE-Powertrain-Portfolio.pdf |url-status= |access-date=October 16, 2024}}

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File:Full Spokane City Line bus charging at SCC transit center October 2023.jpg with City Line livery operated by Spokane Transit charging via SAE J3105 overhead charging station. ]]

The first Xcelsior battery electric buses (XE40) were built in 2014 and delivered to the Chicago Transit Authority and Winnipeg Transit.{{cite web|author=New Flyer Industries|date=August 15, 2018|title=New Flyer Electric Buses|url=https://cafcp.org/sites/default/files/New-Flyer-Electric-Bus-2018-08-15-Rev-B.pdf|access-date=24 December 2018|publisher=California Fuel Cell Partnership}} Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority was the lead agency for the XE60, ordered in January 2019{{cite press release|url=https://www.newflyer.com/2019/01/mbta-leads-bostons-evolution-in-transit-with-battery electric-buses-from-new-flyer/|title=MBTA leads Boston's evolution in transit with battery electric buses from New Flyer|date=January 7, 2019|publisher=New Flyer Industries|access-date=9 August 2019}} and placed into service on July 31, 2019.{{cite press release|url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2019-07-31/first-zero-emission-battery electric-buses-join-the-mbta-silver-line-fleet|title=First Zero-emission, battery electric Buses Join the MBTA Silver Line Fleet|date=July 31, 2019|publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|access-date=9 August 2019}} The Toronto Transit Commission operates 25 XE40 buses.

The first battery electric Xcelsior buses were a powertrain option within the regular Xcelsior line; development was announced in 2011, a prototype was shown in 2012, and regular production began in 2014.{{cite magazine |author=Plachno, Larry |date=April 2018 |title=Charging Ahead with Electric Buses |url=http://busmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Electric-April.pdf |access-date=24 December 2018 |magazine=National Bus Trader |pages=16–25}} The original battery electric Xcelsior bus, offered as an XE40, used a permanent magnet traction motor built by Siemens.{{cite press release |url=https://news.usa.siemens.biz/press-release/industry/siemens-electric-drive-system-power-new-line-transit-buses |title=Siemens electric Drive System to Power New Line of Transit Buses |date=October 28, 2014 |publisher=Siemens |access-date=24 December 2018}} In October 2017, the Xcelsior CHARGE sub-line was introduced.

The Xcelsior CHARGE variant (XE) uses the Siemens ELFA2 electric drive system with different options for battery capacity, depending on the charging speed and range required.{{cite web |url=https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2018/10/XcelsiorCHARGE_1018_NF-compressed.pdf |title=Xcelsior CHARGE |date=October 2018 |publisher=New Flyer Industries |access-date=December 10, 2018}} The traction motor used has an output of either {{convert|210|or|280|hp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1033|or|1475|lbft|Nm kgm|0|abbr=on}}. Batteries are supplied by XALT Energy{{cite web |url=https://www.apta.com/mc/university/presentations/Documents/New%20Flyer%20Xcelsior%20CHARGE%E2%84%A2%20XE35,%20XE40%20and%20XE60%20Battery%20Electric%20Buses.pdf |title=New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE™ |author=New Flyer Industries |date=June 26, 2018 |publisher=American Public Transportation Association |access-date=24 December 2018}} or A123 Systems (XE60 long-range models and XHEnn fuel cell models). On-route rapid charging is provided through an overhead pantograph designed to be interoperable with the SAE J3105 standard supplying 300–450 kW. Shop or depot charging may be performed using SAE J3068 and J1772 connectors supplying up to 150 kW.

At Altoona{{Clarify|date=April 2025}}, the as-tested empty weight of an XE40 was measured at {{convert|32770|lb|abbr=on}} with a capacity of 76 (38 seated passengers + 37 standing passengers + 1 driver) for a total GVW of {{convert|43550|lb|abbr=on}}. It was equipped with 4 XALT Xsyst 7 (7 kWh) batteries and a SPHEROS fuel-fired heater. When accelerating from a constant speed, the bus emitted an average maximum noise level of 66.1 dB(A),{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/458.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test: New Flyer XE40 |date=July 2015 |publisher=The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University |access-date=24 December 2018}} considerably lower than the average maximum noise level of 70.4 dB(A) measured from a conventionally-powered XD40.{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/416.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test: New Flyer XD40 |date=November 2012 |publisher=The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University |access-date=24 December 2018}}

File:G Line bus charging at North Hollywood station.jpg

File:XE60 Interior.jpg

The articulated XE60 adds a second driven axle, using the ZF AxTrax AVE{{cite web |author=ZumMallen, Ryan |date=September 19, 2018 |title=New Flyer and ZF Building 100 Electric Buses for U.S. |url=https://www.trucks.com/2018/09/19/new-flyer-zf-friedrichshafen-electric-buses-usa/ |access-date=24 December 2018 |work=Trucks}} on the middle axle. The AxTrax AVE (formerly known as the AVE 130){{Dead link|date=September 2022}}{{cite magazine |author=Thoma, Frank |date=December 11, 2018 |title=Electric mobility in size XL |url=https://vision.zf.com/site/magazine/en/articles_13121.html |access-date=24 December 2018 |magazine=Vision Magazine |publisher=ZF}} uses two electric motors (one per wheel), each with a maximum continuous/peak output of {{convert|160|/|340|hp|PS kW|abbr=on|0|}} and maximum continuous/peak torque of {{convert|6000|/|16200|lbft|Nm kgm|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/506.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test: New Flyer XE60 |date=April 2019 |publisher=The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University |access-date=9 August 2019}} Each motor is an asynchronous three-phase AC motor operating on 650 VDC with an input current of 250 (continuous) to 340 (peak) amps, using a single-speed reduction gear ratio of 22.66:1. The complete axle assembly weighs {{convert|1250|kg|lb|abbr=on|order=flip}}{{cite web |date=November 2018 |title=Product Overview: Axle & Transmission Systems for Buses & Coaches |url=https://www.zf.com/products/media/product_media/buses_1/product_overview_1/product_overview_axle_transmission_systems.pdf |access-date=24 December 2018 |publisher=ZF}}

The as-tested empty weight of an XE60 was {{convert|52070|lb|abbr=on}} with a capacity of 120 (50 seated passengers + 69 standing passengers + 1 driver) for a total GVW of {{convert|70170|lb|abbr=on}}. Compared to the diesel-powered equivalent XD60, the XE60 is heavier (XD60 GVW is {{convert|58600|lb|abbr=on}}) and holds slightly fewer people (XD60 capacity is 123 people: 49 seated, 73 standing, 1 driver).{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/428.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test: New Flyer XD60 |date=July 2013 |publisher=The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University |access-date=24 December 2018}} Depending on the driving route/style, the XE60 tested at Altoona had a predicted range of {{convert|145|to|246|mi|abbr=out}}.

The MBTA and NYMTA were the first to order the XE60, with the former ordering 5 and the latter ordering 15.

File:Xcelsior XE40 at Hillcrest Complex (2024).jpg.]]

Xcelsior CHARGE NG is New Flyer's next generation battery electric, zero-emission bus. It is lighter, simpler and has longer range with better energy recovery. It has a capacity of 32-61 passengers with 2 wheelchair locations. It is available in 35-, 40-, and 60-foot configurations. It has a Siemens ELFA3 traction motor, Lithium Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, and electric roof-mounted HVAC(s).{{Cite web|date=2021-03-17|title=New Flyer Unveils its Most Advanced EV Bus|url=https://www.newflyer.com/2021/03/new-flyer-unveils-its-most-advanced-ev-bus/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=New Flyer {{!}} North America's Bus Leader|language=en-US}}

The CHARGE model can be equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell (model code XHE), which acts as an on-board charger to extend range.{{cite web |url=https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2017/10/Xcelsior-Hydrogen-Fuel-Cell-Electric-Bus-1.pdf |title=Xcelsior hydrogen fuel cell-electric bus |date=October 2017 |publisher=New Flyer Industries |access-date=December 10, 2018}} Earlier New Flyer fuel cell buses were based on the preceding Low Floor chassis, designated H40LFR, and integrated by an outside vendor. In 2016, New Flyer received an order for 25 XHE40 buses under the California Air Resources Board Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP).{{cite web |url=https://caltransit.org/cta/assets/Fall%20Conference/2017/PPTs/Maintenance/MAINT-Zero%20Emission%20Implementations%20-%20Warren.pdf |title=Zero-Emission Implementations |author=Warren, David |date=November 9, 2017 |publisher=California Transit Association |access-date=24 December 2018}} The XHE40 uses a MAN SE model 1350 rear axle with a traction motor from Siemens; like the XE60, the XHE60 also uses a MAN 1350 rear axle as a pusher, but adds a ZF AxTrax AVE middle axle as a puller for traction-challenged conditions.

An XHE60 tested at Altoona weighed {{convert|49890|lb|abbr=on}} empty; with a total capacity of 132 (1 driver, 50 seated, 81 standing), the estimated GVW was {{convert|69750|lb|abbr=on}}. The fuel cell was a Ballard HD85 with an 85 kW output.{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/499.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test: New Flyer XHE60 |date=August 2018 |publisher=The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, The Pennsylvania State University |access-date=24 December 2018}}

Development of the electric fuel cell buses is centered in California, with AC Transit serving as the lead agency for one XHE60, and SunLine Transit Agency, AC Transit, and Orange County Transportation Authority testing several variants of XHE40.

New Flyer and Robotic Research announced a partnership in May 2019 to develop automated bus technology.{{cite press release |url=https://www.newflyer.com/content/2019/05/new-flyer-announces-robotic-research-partnership-to-revolutionize-public-transit-using-autonomous-bus-technology/ |title=New Flyer announces Robotic Research partnership to revolutionize public transit using automated bus technology |date=May 15, 2019 |publisher=New Flyer |access-date=9 February 2021}} In January 2021, New Flyer introduced the Xcelsior AV, New Flyer's first ever autonomous bus.{{Cite web |title=Xcelsior AV™ |url=https://www.newflyer.com/bus/xcelsior-av/ |access-date=2021-02-06 |website=New Flyer Industries |language=en-US}} New Flyer claims the AV meets the SAE J3016 Level 4 of autonomy. The AV is based on the XE40 chassis, and uses Robotic Research's AutoDrive suite of sensors and AutoDrive ByWire mechanical actuators.{{cite news |url=https://cleantechnica.com/2021/02/02/new-flyer-xcelsior-av-is-americas-first-autonomous-bus/ |title=New Flyer Xcelsior AV Is America's First Autonomous Bus |author=Borrás, Jo |date=February 2, 2021 |work=Clean Technica |access-date=9 February 2021}} Project management was performed by The Center for Transportation and Environment (CTE) with support from the Federal Transit Administration, who provided a {{USD|2}} million grant under the Integrated Mobility Innovation Program.

The first three Xcelsior AV buses are scheduled to be tested by CTtransit in 2021 on the CTfastrak bus rapid transit (BRT) line, over a dedicated right-of-way {{convert|9|mi}} long, connecting New Britain and Hartford, Connecticut. The deployment on a BRT line is anticipated to test the vehicles' ability to perform precision docking at station platforms and platooning multiple vehicles.{{cite news |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/alt-mobility/autonomous-vehicles/article/21143509/ctdot-scheduled-to-deploy-first-fullsize-automated-transit-bus-in-north-america |title=CTDOT scheduled to deploy first full-size automated transit bus in North America |author=Wanek-Libman, Mischa |date=June 24, 2020 |work=Mass Transit |access-date=9 February 2021}}

File:4953 M86.jpg|XE60, NYMTA

File:6098 M60.jpg|XD60, NYMTA

File:WMATA New Flyer Xcelsior XE40.jpg|XE40, WMATA Metrobus

File:TriMet XE40 electric bus 3803 charging at Sunset TC on line 62 (2019).jpg|alt=An XE40 being charged by an overhead charger|XE40, TriMet

File:GBT NFI 3712.jpg|XD35, Greater Bridgeport Transit

File:SEPTA bus 3061 at JFK Boulevard and 15th Street.jpeg|XDE40, SEPTA

File:MBTA route SL5 bus on Washington Street, April 2017.jpg|XDE60, MBTA Silver Line

File:AC Transit bus FC17 at Fruitvale BART on the 54 line.jpg|XHE40, AC Transit

File:Seattle New Flyer trolleybus 4324 on Madison St at 2nd Ave (2015).jpg|XT40, King County Metro

File:Muni route 5 trolleybus at Transbay Transit Center, September 2019.jpg|XT60, SF Muni

File:New Flyer XN40 LF MTA NYC Bus b.n. 755.jpg|XN40, NYMTA

File:Blank New Flyer XD40.jpg|Blank XD40 in Montreal

File:WpgTransitBLUE.jpg|XD60, Winnipeg Transit

File:Omaha Metro Transit 1909.jpg|XN60, Metro Transit (Omaha)

File:SCT Route 66 -7029 Bellport.jpg|XDE35, Suffolk County Transit

File:Left side of Spokane Transit 60-foot BEB laying over at Hastings Park and Ride October 2023.jpg|XE60, Spokane Transit

File:DART 1621 interior.jpg|XD40 interior, DART

File:New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE 60-foot electric bus interior.jpg|XE60 interior, Spokane Transit

File:Interior of a New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE.jpg|XE40 interior, TriMet

File:Silver Line at Northwest Transit Center.jpg|XD60, METRORapid Silver Line

• BYD K9
• ENC Axess
• Gillig Low Floor
• Nova Bus LFS
• Proterra ZX5

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{cite web |url=https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2017/09/729-NFL-Xcelsior-Final.pdf |title=xcelsior® |publisher=New Flyer |date=September 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2018}}
• Xcelsior NG: https://www.newflyer.com/bus/xcelsior-charge-ng/

• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/03/Xcelsior-Family-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior family overview]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/09/Xcelsior-AV-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior AV]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/10/NF-Xcelsior-CHARGE-H2-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior CHARGE H2]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/10/NF-Xcelsior-CHARGE-NG-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior CHARGE NG]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/10/NF-Xcelsior-Clean-Diesel-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior Clean Diesel]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/10/NF-Xcelsior-CHARGE-CNG-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior CNG]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/07/NF-Xcelsior-Hybrid-Diesel-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior Hybrid-Electric]
• [https://www.newflyer.com/site-content/uploads/2021/10/NF-Xcelsior-Trolley-Brochure.pdf Xcelsior Trolley-Electric]

Category:Buses of Canada

Category:Buses of the United States

Xcelsior

Category:Vehicles introduced in 2008

Category:Articulated buses

Category:Fuel cell buses

Category:Battery electric buses

Category:Low-floor buses