METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ABC, Proterra unveil all-electric Van Hool CX45E motorcoach

Uses Proterra’s battery system, which features a compact, robust design enabling energy density, by volume and mass.

October 29, 2019
ABC, Proterra unveil all-electric Van Hool CX45E motorcoach

ABC together with Van Hool and Proterra, will offer proprietary route modelling, which will take into consideration route planning, the environment, and how each coach is routinely operated.

ABC Companies/Van Hool

2 min to read


ABC together with Van Hool and Proterra, will offer proprietary route modelling, which will take into consideration route planning, the environment, and how each coach is routinely operated. ABC Companies/Van Hool

ABC Companies and Van Hool introduced the all-electric Van Hool CX45E motorcoach at Busworld in Belgium, which was the only model exclusively designed and built for the North American market on the show floor.

The zero-emission vehicle utilizes Proterra’s battery system, which features a compact, robust design enabling industry-leading energy density, by volume and mass. Efficient energy storage enables improved-range capabilities and thermally controlled batteries keep the temperature consistent to maximize lifetime in operating climates.

Ad Loading...

“‘Designed for the future, coming to America — January 2020’” — was the theme used to unveil the new bus, and ABC Companies is eager to present this innovative zero-emission model during UMA Expo 2020 in Nashville. Like the diesel-powered Van Hool CX45, the CX45E Electric bus will integrate a multitude of onboard technologies and passenger and driver amenities including a fully redesigned driver’s area.

ABC together with Van Hool and Proterra, will offer proprietary route modelling, which will take into consideration route-planning, the environment, and how each coach is routinely operated. Modeling and charging infrastructure analysis, utilizes data gleaned from route simulation — factoring in a host of variables such as, charging speed and consumption, hours of operation, charging points, power suppliers, and more to determine the right fit for each operation. Through the Proterra Energy™ fleet solutions offering, Proterra’s team of experts can evaluate a fleet’s daily power needs to determine the most fitting chargers to meet route requirements.

ABC also offers after-sale fleet maintenance support programs that are built around each owner’s individual fleet profile and needs. With flexible, scalable maintenance strategies tailored to support highly diverse fleet compositions, the company can service a full spectrum of equipment makes, models, and drivetrain platforms.

More Zero Emissions

METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →
Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
A WMATA bus underneath a cherry blossom tree
Busby Alex RomanApril 24, 2026

Bus Coalition Leaders Push to Protect Transit Funding in Critical Reauthorization Year

Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.

Read More →
Cincinnati Metro's new battery-electric bus, which was unveiled on Earth Day
Zero Emissionsby StaffApril 23, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Goes Electric

Two battery-electric buses entered service on Earth Day, with four additional vehicles expected to join the fleet this summer. Seven more buses are planned for the end of 2027, bringing Metro’s total zero-emission fleet to 13.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "2026 Earth Day: How Transit Agencies Celebrated Nationwide."
Zero Emissionsby Elora HaynesApril 23, 2026

Transit Agencies Mark 2026 Earth Day with Free Rides, Sustainability Initiatives

Agencies from California to New York offered fare-free rides, community cleanups, and new tools to showcase transit’s role in cutting emissions.

Read More →
A photo of a San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit zero-emission bus.
Busby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025

A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.

Read More →
A California zero-emission Big Blue Bus parked outside a bus depot.
Zero Emissionsby StaffApril 13, 2026

California's Big Blue Bus Moves Closer to All-Electric Future with $56 Million Investment

The Santa Monica agency’s new charging infrastructure and fleet expansion aim to improve air quality, equity, and long-term system resilience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →