New Flyer of America, a subsidiary of the independent bus and coach manufacturer NFI Group Inc., has received an additional order for 26 of its zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot transit buses from the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). This order marks the continuation of a 20-year partnership between COTA and New Flyer, which has delivered nearly 190 transit buses to the state since 2001, including COTA’s first battery-electric bus in 2021.
“This latest purchase of New Flyer battery-electric buses furthers our commitment to building a zero-emissions public transit fleet for the central Ohio region,” said Chief Engineering and Mechanical Officer Andy Biesterveld. “With New Flyer CNG buses and now electric vehicles, we are on track to become a diesel-free fleet by 2025 and a zero-emission fixed-route fleet by 2035.”
The zero-emission buses, purchased off the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services contract, will be equipped with high-energy, 520 kW batteries and will incorporate other technology advancements, such as advanced protective battery packaging and a new lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.
“NFI is proud to continue supporting COTA’s transition to greener, safer, and more efficient mobility,” said Chris Stoddart, President of North American Bus and Coach, NFI.
NFI offers a range of zero-emission battery and fuel cell electric buses and coaches, and to date, its vehicles have completed more than 115 million EV service miles.
