San Diego's MTS to add 6 New Flyer battery-electric Xcelsiors

In continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions in San Diego, the Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) board of directors unanimously approved the purchase of six 40-foot electric buses from New Flyer and options to purchase nine depot chargers. The total cost is estimated to be $6 million and the buses are expected to arrive in mid-summer 2019.

In October 2017, the MTS Board directed staff to implement a zero-emission bus pilot program. As part of the pilot, MTS will purchase nine zero-emissions buses and use them on existing routes throughout San Diego for a period of two years. The pilot program will allow MTS to analyze vehicle performance, challenges, and capabilities. Staff will analyze characteristics, such as in route vs. depot charging, climate, route profiles, passenger loads, operator performance, battery capacity, and more.

The new electric buses will have a maximum range of 150 to 200 miles. The buses are equipped with 480 KW of stored energy and will be charged through individual depot chargers at MTS’ operating facility.

The buses will have many modern amenities including the newest onboard video surveillance systems, enhanced wheelchair restraint systems with forward-facing safety barriers for improved safety, electric air conditioning, and engine coolant systems.