METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

BAE Systems to Provide Electric Drive Systems for Philadelphia’s Zero-Emission Fleet

BAE Systems will provide 220 electric drive systems to New Flyer of America Inc., with an option for 120 additional systems, over the next three years.

by Staff
February 16, 2022
BAE Systems to Provide Electric Drive Systems for Philadelphia’s Zero-Emission Fleet

BAE Systems has 25 years of experience developing and fielding electric propulsion systems and accessories for transit buses.

Photo: BAE Systems

2 min to read


BAE Systems announced it has been selected by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to supply up to 340 electric drive systems for its new fleet of low emission transit buses.

BAE Systems will provide 220 electric drive systems to New Flyer of America Inc., with an option for 120 additional systems, over the next three years.

Ad Loading...

Incorporating the company’s latest technology for future zero-emission platforms, the Series-ER (Electric Range) systems will deliver significant emission reductions and fuel savings across the fleet.

One feature of Series-ER is the Modular Accessory Power System (MAPS), a component that uses advanced materials for increased electrical efficiency. 

“We are supporting SEPTA’s environmental goals with green technology that improves air quality for the greater Philadelphia community,” said Steve Trichka, VP/GM of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our electric drive system provides transit operators with a highly reliable, flexible option to bring them one step closer to a zero-emission future.”

The Series-ER system includes an electric motor, onboard energy storage, and smart controls to create a clean, integrated electric propulsion and accessory power system for the buses.

The system also provides zero-emission operation via BAE Systems’ industry-leading experience with engine stop and start, and geofenced green zone technology. The onboard charger and advanced energy recovery enables Series-ER to deliver zero emissions without the need for grid-connected charging.

Ad Loading...

The production and service support for the Series-ER systems will be conducted at the company’s facility in Endicott, N.Y.

More Zero Emissions

A Caltrain electric railcar on the tracks
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 27, 2026

Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth

The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.

Read More →
Zero Emissions•October 12, 2026

Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification with BAE's John Hroncich

John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.

Read More →
A shot of ENC's manufacturing facility
Zero Emissions•by Alex Roman•September 30, 2026

LA Metro Board Awards 220 Battery-Electric Bus Contract to ENC

The contract, which is the largest base award of battery-electric buses by a U.S. transit agency, will be built in Southern California, sustaining good jobs as LA prepares to welcome the world in 2028

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →
A WMATA bus at a transit center
Bus•by Alex Roman•September 21, 2026

Report: Transit Bus Manufacturing Supports 34,100 Jobs, $5.1B in GDP

The “Buses Mean Business” report examines the transit bus manufacturing industry’s economic footprint, supply chain, and rising demand for vehicle replacements.

Read More →
 A bus that's powering the Beer Garden Stage and also serving as a Cooling & Charging Station for festival attendees.
Zero Emissions•by Elora Haynes•September 14, 2026

Ohio’s METRO RTA Turns Electric Buses into Mobile Power Sources at PorchROKR

See how three Gillig battery-electric buses powered festival stages while the agency’s new Park & Ride service carried approximately 1,000 attendees, demonstrating another potential use for transit agencies’ electric fleets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Catalyst Mobility: Building Clean Transportation Together
Zero Emissions•by Alex Roman•September 14, 2026

CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility

The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.

Read More →
How BAE Systems Electrifies Transit Fleets
Zero Emissions•by Alex Roman•September 10, 2026

Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification

John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.

Read More →
A VVTA hydrogen fuel cell electric bus
Zero Emissions•by Staff and News Reports•September 1, 2026

California's VVTA Begins Phased Rollout of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses

The agency is introducing 13 zero-emission buses into revenue service while evaluating performance across its urban, rural, and long-distance routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A photo of UB's battery-electric bus event
Zero Emissions•by Alex Roman•September 1, 2026

Inside Look: University at Buffalo Puts First 8 Electric Buses Into Stampede Service

UB, transportation solutions provider WeDriveU, and fleet electrification specialist Zenobē marked the deployment in the presence of students, university administrators, and local officials.

Read More →