Proterra Inc. and Pace Suburban Bus announced the agency is awarding a $26.5 million dollar contract to Proterra to acquire 20 Proterra ZX5 Max electric transit buses.

The procurement represents Pace’s first order of battery-electric buses as the agency seeks to transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040.

“Proterra is delighted to be Pace’s partner to bring our industry-leading fleet electrification solutions to the Chicagoland area. With our purpose-built vehicle platform and best in class range, we are excited to help drive the region’s switch to zero-emission, electric transportation,” said John Walsh, Proterra CCO. 

The first Proterra electric buses are scheduled to be delivered to Pace in 2023.

“As transit agencies across the country begin to purchase electric buses, we are excited to be able to get our first order for electric buses in the queue. This puts us ahead of our anticipated schedule and will allow us to get electric buses on the road even sooner,” said Melinda J. Metzger, Pace executive director. 

Pace’s transition to a zero-emission fleet is an initiative of its new strategic vision plan, Driving Innovation.

The 40-foot Proterra ZX5 Max selected by Pace features 675 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy storage.