METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Proterra EV Charging Solutions Enable Full Fleet Electrification for Commercial Vehicles

Developed in partnership with Power Electronics, the new Proterra charging systems offer transit agencies and fleet operators a customizable vehicle charging solution.

by METRO Staff
October 28, 2020
Proterra EV Charging Solutions Enable Full Fleet Electrification for Commercial Vehicles

With more fleet operators transitioning to full battery-electric vehicles, charging solutions that can efficiently and cost-effectively power large fleets of vehicles will play a critical role in transportation electrification.

Credit:

Proterra

2 min to read


Proterra unveiled its new, high-powered charging solution designed to enable the electrification of large-scale vehicle fleets.

Developed in partnership with Power Electronics, the new Proterra charging systems offers fleet operators and transit agencies a customizable vehicle charging solution.

Ad Loading...

Proterra’s new charging systems can be configured at a broad range of power levels. For large fleets of vehicles, where customers need to address the challenge of charging dozens or hundreds of vehicles in a single fleet yard, Proterra’s new charging systems can be configured with up to 1.5 megawatts to power up to 20 vehicles simultaneously. The new Proterra 1.5 megawatt fleet-scale charging system can also tie directly into higher voltage utility power lines (up to 35kV), which avoids the footprint and complication of costly switchgear.

The chargers will also be able to meet the needs of smaller electric vehicle fleets, with 75 kilowatt, 150 kilowatt, 250 kilowatt, and 500 kilowatt power levels.

The new chargers utilize interoperable, universal charging technology and are equipped to power a diverse range of 100% battery-electric vehicles, including battery-electric transit buses, school buses, delivery vans, coach buses, and other commercial vehicles. The chargers are also capable of powering personal passenger electric vehicles.

“Cities, states, schools, airports, and many more are going all-in on zero-emission transportation. Large-scale charging infrastructure will play a vital role in achieving important transportation electrification goals. Proterra is excited to work with Power Electronics to help fuel this transition with our new, next generation charging systems,” said Proterra CEO Jack Allen.

Power Electronics is a leader in power systems design and brings more than 30 years of experience in the design, development, manufacturing, and service of power conversion technology.

Ad Loading...

The new chargers are available as both overhead and plug-in options, offering greater flexibility and optionality for customers. In addition, the systems feature bi-directional power flow that enables chargers to be smart-grid ready for vehicle-to-grid applications. All Proterra systems can incorporate multi-dispensers which can reduce the overall space, cost, and aggregate power levels needed by a fleet yard. When coupled with the 1.5 megawatt charging system, the multi-dispenser capability enables up to 40 vehicles to charge sequentially, one after the other at full power.

Leveraging Power Electronics’ technology, the new chargers have the capability to interconnect with stationary storage and solar to provide fleet operators with a clean, resilient source of power for their vehicles.

More Zero Emissions

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 →
Opening art for Sustabinability Partners Q&A
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 25, 2026

Inside EVaaS: A New Model for Airport Fleet Electrification

Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.

Read More →
Rows of MTA's Long Island Railroad (LIRR) commuter rail cars.

New York Awards $4.5M for Zero-Emission Microtransit and Bike Access Projects

NYSERDA funding will support electric microtransit and secure bike storage to improve first- and last-mile connections across downstate New York.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →