California operator orders 7 New Flyer battery-electric buses

California’s Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) awarded New Flyer a new contract for seven 40-foot, zero-emission battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ heavy-duty transit buses.

The buses commence the evolution of VVTA’s current fleet to zero-emission as the agency works toward a goal of 100% electric public transit by 2040. VVTA has partnered with local energy provider Southern California Edison on its Charge-Ready Transit Bus Program, which assists in deployment of make-ready electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions for qualified agencies. The move also provides access to early adoption incentives like the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project provided by the California Air Resources Board.

“Factoring in all unique variables, including steep hills, long distances, extreme weather, and traffic patterns, we are confident that our New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE buses will lead sustainable transit forward in San Bernardino County,” said Ron Zirges, director, maintenance and facilities, VVTA.

New Flyer has delivered over 10,000 buses to the state of California, beginning with zero-emission trolley-electric buses in 1972. To date, New Flyer has sold 77 Xcelsior CHARGE™ electric buses across California with battery-electric bus programs in Coachella Valley, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orange County, and San Diego.

The Victor Valley Transit Authority provides public transit agency in San Bernardino County, delivering over 2.5 million passenger trips per year.