Proterra Catalyst

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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 either {{convert|42|ft|abbr=on||1}} or {{convert|36|feet|abbr=on||1}} and weighs approximately {{convert|27000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. 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.

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.{{cite web |url=http://louisianacleanfuels.org/images/meeting/041416/LAF_Presentations/proterra.pdf |title=Proterra Catalyst Platform Introduction |date=April 14, 2016 |publisher=Louisiana Alternative Fuels Conference & Expo |accessdate=July 13, 2018}} The company added a {{convert|35|ft|4=1|abbr=on}} model of the Catalyst to its product line in 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),{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DT_PERF_HC-1.pdf |title=Proterra 40 Foot Bus drivetrain performance |author= |date= |publisher=Proterra |accessdate=July 12, 2018}} and range, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/products/35-foot-catalyst/ |title=The Proterra Catalyst 35-foot transit vehicle |author= |date= |publisher=Proterra |accessdate=July 12, 2018}}

At introduction, the Catalyst was equipped with a single electric traction motor, the UQM Technologies HD220.{{cite press release |url=https://www.uqm.com/English/news/News/press-releases/press-release-details/2015/UQM-Technologies-Receives-New-Orders-for-Proterras-Catalyst-Bus-Program-for-Calendar-Year-2016-Delivery/default.aspx |title=UQM Technologies receives new orders for Proterra's Catalyst bus program for calendar year 2016 delivery |date=November 5, 2015 |publisher=UQM Technologies |accessdate=9 November 2020}} The HD220 was rated at {{convert|220|kW|hp|abbr=on}} peak power ({{convert|120|kW|hp|abbr=on}} continuous) and {{convert|700|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} peak torque ({{convert|350|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} continuous); a later revision, designated HD220+, increased continuous power and torque ratings to {{convert|150|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|440|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}}, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.uqm.com/English/products/propulsion/commercial-vehicles/transit-buses/default.aspx |title=Transit Buses |publisher=UQM Technologies |accessdate=9 November 2020}}

The DuoPower drivetrain was introduced in October 2017; it uses two electric traction motors and has a claimed 20% increase in efficiency compared to the original single-motor drivetrain, which was redesignated ProDrive.{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/10/20171009-proterra.html |title=Proterra introduces two-motor DuoPower drivetrain for its Catalyst electric buses; partnership with Van Hool |date=9 October 2017 |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=12 July 2018}} As ProDrive, the Catalyst was equipped with an upgraded UQM HD250 motor, which offered increased ratings of {{convert|250|kW|hp|abbr=on}} peak power ({{convert|150|kW|hp|abbr=on}} continuous) and {{convert|900|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} peak torque ({{convert|360|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} continuous). The DuoPower traction motors are permanent magnet alternating current motors{{cite press release |url=https://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.31c35c58f54e63cb97b11b10237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=c05969dafb00a610VgnVCM100000e6651dacRCRD |title=Parker Hannifin to showcase its latest mobile system solutions at bauma 2019 |date=April 8, 2019 |publisher=Parker Hannifin |accessdate=9 November 2020}} manufactured by Parker Hannifin as part of their Global Vehicle Motor (GVM) series.{{cite web |url=https://promo.parker.com/parkerimages/Parker.com/Literature/Electromechanical%20North%20America/CATALOGS-BROCHURES/GVM%20Catalog.pdf |title=Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Accessory, Power Generation & Traction Motor Solutions |date=2014 |publisher=Parker Hannifin |accessdate=9 November 2020}}

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.{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2016/09/20160912-proterra.html |title=Proterra launches new Catalyst E2 series electric bus with nominal range of up to 350 miles |date=September 12, 2016 |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=July 12, 2018}} The buses were initially offered with lithium-titanate battery chemistry, which Proterra redesignated the TerraVolt FC. FC batteries can be fully recharged in less than ten minutes.

The TerraVolt XR lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries were introduced in 2015 with improved range but slower charging, approximately one hour to full charge.{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2015/02/20150224-proterra.html |title=Proterra introduces new extended range battery pack for electric transit buses; up to 180 miles |date=February 24, 2015 |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=July 12, 2018}}

TerraVolt E2 batteries were introduced in 2016 with the longest range and slowest charging. The E2 battery range features a 3–5 hour charge time.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/09/new-electric-bus-can-drive-350-miles-one-charge/ |title=This new electric bus can drive 350 miles on one charge |author=Marshall, Aarian |date=12 September 2016 |magazine=Wired |accessdate=12 July 2018}} E2 batteries have an energy density of 160 W-hr/kg and 260 W-hr/L, and use cells from LG Chem.{{cite press release |url=https://www.proterra.com/press-release/proterra-and-lg-chem-announce-co-development-of-new-battery-cell/ |title=Proterra and LG Chem announce co-development of new battery cell |date=September 19, 2017 |publisher=Proterra, Inc. |accessdate=6 November 2020}}

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.

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| image1 = King County Metro Proterra Catalyst (24471101374).jpg

| caption1 = Overhead / en-route (Feb 2016)

| image2 = Proterra electric bus at Eastgate P&R (23516861652).jpg

| caption2 = Curbside (Nov 2015)

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| footer = Under evaluation with King County Metro Transit at Eastgate Park & Ride

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Buses can charge en route, allowing more trips and higher productivity for circulator or loop routes. One common example is to have charging stations at major transit centers. Two examples of this are the Washington Plaza Bus Terminal in New York and the Mill Woods Transit Center in Edmonton.

Charging rates range from 60 to 120 kW (using the SAE J1772 CCS ports) and from 166 to 350 kW (using a J3105 overhead fast-charger).{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Proterra-Catalyst-Vehicle-Specs.pdf |title=Catalyst Specifications: 40 foot bus |publisher=Proterra, Inc. |accessdate=6 November 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Proterra-Catalyst-35-ft-spec-sheet-2019.pdf |title=Catalyst Performance Specifications: 35 foot bus |publisher=Proterra, Inc. |accessdate=6 November 2020}} In 2018, Proterra began offering the OppCharge (SAE J3105-1) overhead charger instead of its proprietary "blade" overhead charger.{{cite news |url=https://insideevs.com/news/338248/proterra-switches-to-sae-j3105-standard-for-overhead-charging/ |title=Proterra Switches To SAE J3105 Standard For Overhead Charging |author=Kane, Mark |date=May 20, 2018 |work=Inside EVs |accessdate=9 November 2020}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2024}}{{Main|Proterra ZX5}}

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.

File:Rear of Proterra Catalyst.jpg|The rear of the Proterra Catalyst

File:The Proterra Catalyst at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington .jpg|A corporate-branded Catalyst testing in Washington.

File:ProTerra.jpg|A corporate-branded Catalyst testing in Minnesota.

File:King County Metro Proterra Catalyst electric bus leaving Eastgate P&R (22997295244).jpg|A Catalyst BE40 of King County Metro

File:MTA NYC Bus B32 bus turning onto 21st St.jpg|A Catalyst BE40 of the NYMTA

File:DC Circulator 2017 Proterra Catalyst BE40 E2.jpg|A Catalyst BE40 of DC Circulator

File:Proterra Catalyst 40', VTA 7502 on Route 10 service, Santa Clara Station (44025998571).jpg|A Catalyst BE40 of Santa Clara VTA

File:SEPTA bus 920, September 2019.jpg|A Catalyst BE40 bus of SEPTA

File:PVTA electric bus charging at Springfield Union Station, August 2018.JPG|A Catalyst BE40 of Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

File:2019 Proterra XR+ StarMetro.jpg|A Catalyst BE35 of StarMetro

File:Proterra Catalyst - Chicago CTA.jpg|A Catalyst BE40 of Chicago CTA

File:King County Metro Proterra Catalyst (24734032269).jpg|Catalyst interior, looking back from forward aisle. Like other partial low-floor buses, there is a step at the rear axle for mechanical clearance.

File:King County Metro Proterra Catalyst (25075462236).jpg|Catalyst driver's seat and farebox

File:KCM 4602 (Proterra) charging at Eastgate P&R (25452679844).jpg|Catalyst instrument panel

File:King County Metro Proterra Catalyst (25075359016).jpg|Additional driver's controls

File:Proterra 20 MTA.jpg|Front interior of Proterra Catalyst (MTA NYCT Spec)

File:Proterra 20 MTA rear.jpg|Rear interior of Proterra Catalyst (MTA NYCT Spec)

File:Proterra_852_PANYNJ.jpg|Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Proterra Catalyst

• New Flyer XE35 Xcelsior CHARGE
• New Flyer XE40 Xcelsior CHARGE
• BYD K9M
• Nova Bus LFSe and LFSe+

{{commons category}}

• {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/454.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra BE40 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=May 2015}}
• {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/480.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra Catalyst E2 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=September 2017}}
• {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/494.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra 35-foot Catalyst FC |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=June 2018}}
• {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/502.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT35PD |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=January 2019}}
• {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/519.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT40DP |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=September 2020}}
• {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/520.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT40DP (800V six-pack) |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=October 2020}}

{{Reflist}}

Category:Buses of the United States

Category:Buses of Canada

Category:Battery electric buses

Category:Vehicles introduced in 2014

Category:Low-floor buses

Category:Single-deck buses

Category:Proterra vehicles