Proterra will manufacture Australian bus supplier Bustech’s all-electric ZDi 12.5-meter transit bus utilizing its battery technology platform.

The partnership represents Proterra’s entry into the Australian market and will be the company’s first Proterra Powered battery-electric vehicle operating outside North America.

Under the partnership, Bustech will incorporate Proterra’s battery technology into the ZDi’s integrated chassis systems. The battery system powering the all-electric ZDi transit bus will feature 450 kWh of energy capacity, which will enable an estimated 202 miles of drive range on a single charge. The vehicle can fully charge in about two hours.

Proterra battery packs incorporate advanced features such as liquid cooling with an active thermal management system that will ensure optimal charging and maximize battery life by maintaining a constant battery temperature in Australia’s demanding climate.

The technical partnership will use Proterra’s battery technology while ensuring overall vehicle manufacturing and assembly is consistent with local supply chains on shore in Australia. Operating as a core technology partner, Proterra will provide training and development support to strengthen Bustech’s in-country service network and experience with the battery product.

Established in 1995, Bustech developed the first electric bus in Australia and is recognized as a leader in innovation and electric vehicle product development in the Australasian market. In 2019, Bustech joined with the Australian Bus Corp. to form the largest bus manufacturer in Australia.

Bustech has undertaken significant market analysis to engage and review critical technical partnerships which introduce best-in-class technology to the Australasian market, while also offering unparalleled aftermarket support. The partnership with Proterra will deliver a vehicle designed for maximum range, and support Bustech’s commitment to creating local jobs and engaging the local supply chain.

Proterra Powered leverages Proterra’s electric vehicle technology and expertise to help commercial vehicle manufacturers electrify their vehicles. To date, Proterra Powered has helped OEMs like Thomas Built Bus, Van Hool, FCCC, and Optimal-EV introduce 100% battery-electric vehicles that are powered by Proterra electric vehicle technology.