New Flyer of America Inc. announced that its 60-foot articulated heavy-duty transit bus has become the first and only 60-foot battery-electric bus to complete the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Model Bus Testing Program at Altoona, Pa.

With successful completion of Altoona Testing, U.S. transit agencies can now utilize FTA funding in support of their purchases of 60-foot (battery and fuel cell) electric bus rapid transit (eBRT) buses from New Flyer, further enabling smart mobility solutions for cities across North America.

Since 1988, New Flyer has delivered over 7,000 60-foot articulated buses with a variety of propulsion systems. All New Flyer zero-emission bus (ZEB) models, including trolley-electric, battery-electric, and fuel cell-electric, are built on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior® platform, which recently celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th bus.

“New Flyer’s 60-foot battery-electric and fuel cell-electric model buses are equipped with two driven axles (rear and center) for enhanced traction and control in all weather conditions; an added safety feature of our exclusive electric propulsion system,” explained Chris Stoddart, sr. VP, engineering and customer service, New Flyer. “Combined with regenerative braking from electric motors using Siemens power management to recharge lithium-ion batteries sourced in America, this eBRT assists with reduced traffic congestion, cost effective transit, improved air quality, and greater smart mobility solutions to communities across America.”