New Flyer Industries Inc. unveiled the addition of a zero-emission battery-electric propulsion system to its commercially available lineup of Xcelsior® transit bus models at APTA Expo on Monday.

“We’re very excited about the addition of the battery-electric propulsion XE40 to our proven bus portfolio,” said New Flyer President/CEO Paul Soubry. “In addition to clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, electric trolley and fuel-cell, our customers now have a commercially available and cost-effective all-electric propulsion option that can integrate seamlessly with their existing transit fleet. We believe electrification of transit buses was not a matter of ‘if’, but rather ‘when.’”

With more than 4,400 Xcelsior buses delivered or on order throughout North America, New Flyer has demonstrated industry leading reliability, providing both passengers and drivers with safe, quiet and dependable public transportation. The XE40 features:

• A New Flyer integrated energy storage system.

• A Siemens electric drive system.

• Proven electric subsystems and accessories currently available on the Xcelsior hybrid variants.

• Depot charging capability and an Eaton en-route conductive charging capability.

By replacing conventional mechanical power train systems, such as engines, transmissions fuel systems and complete exhaust after-treatment, with a high efficiency electric drive, the XE40 requires less maintenance throughout its life. The lithium ion battery packs have the ability to receive a partial recharge using a regenerative braking system, which is ideally suited for the typical start-and-stop duty cycle of a transit bus. Range is dependent on the unique operations and route structure of each customer with the capability of scalable battery capacities between 100 and 300 kWh.

New Flyer’s commitment to zero-emission fuel cell technology began in 1995 with the delivery of the first 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell bus in North America. The company’s zero-emission transit bus product line also includes electric trolley and battery-electric propulsion variants, a total of 362 which are in service today. In 2012, New Flyer unveiled its battery electric pilot bus, along with partners Manitoba Hydro, Red River College, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Manitoba Government and Winnipeg Transit. The pilot bus has undergone extensive all weather service testing and in March 2014 it began shuttle service operation.

To date, New Flyer has built six XE40’s for North American customers, and expects five of them to enter service in the coming weeks. The sixth vehicle has commenced its FTA new bus model testing at the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, Pa.

As with all New Flyer buses, the XE40 is delivered with New Flyer’s commitment to lifetime customer care, which includes a comprehensive product warranty, maintenance and operations training, spare parts and an extensive network of in-service support professionals.