Proterra Catalyst E2 sets world record, drives 1,101 miles on single charge
Proterra’s 40-foot Catalyst E2 max traveled 1,101.2 miles with 660 kWh of energy storage capacity. For the last three consecutive years, the company has demonstrated improved range and battery performance.
Proterra.
Proterra recently set a world record for driving the longest distance ever traveled by an electric vehicle on a single charge at the Navistar Proving Grounds in New Carlisle, Ind.
Proterra’s 40-foot Catalyst E2 max traveled 1,101.2 miles with 660 kWh of energy storage capacity. For the last three consecutive years, the company has demonstrated improved range and battery performance. Last September, Proterra drove 603 miles with 440kWh of energy storage, and in 2015, drove 258 miles with 257kWh of energy storage on a single charge. This year’s world record range marks exceptional performance improvements over prior years and underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and accelerating the mass adoption of heavy-duty electric vehicles.
“For our heavy-duty electric bus to break the previous world record of 1,013.76 miles — which was set by a light-duty passenger EV 46 times lighter than the Catalyst E2 max — is a major feat,” said Matt Horton, Proterra’s chief commercial officer.
Beyond meeting transit agencies’ range requirements, the Catalyst E2 max is poised to make a significant impact on the transit market because of its low operational cost per mile compared to conventional fossil fuel powered buses.
According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, lithium-ion battery prices have dropped by roughly 72% since 2010, and the economics for batteries continue to improve. Between li-ion battery cost savings and improving vehicle efficiency, electric vehicles represent the most disruptive mode of transport today.
Additionally, Proterra and LG Chem announced co-development of a battery cell that has been optimized to meet the unique performance and safety demands of the heavy-duty vehicle market. The cell chemistry has been optimized for exceptional energy throughput capability, high charge rate acceptance, and industry-leading energy density.
The joint development underscores the growing market demand for high-quality energy storage systems. According to Lux Research, batteries for transportation and grid storage are expected to surpass consumer electronics by next year and electric buses are cited as a primary market driver for this growing battery segment. Proterra’s new Burlingame battery production facility is currently ramping production to meet demand and can produce over 500 MWh of E2 battery packs on an annual basis.
Visit Proterra at the APTA Expo at Booth #9055
More Bus
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference
The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan
Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.
Read More →
A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More
From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.
Read More →