NFI’s subsidiary, New Flyer of America has received an order to deliver 26 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG transit buses to the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).
This contract follows COTA’s previous purchase of 14 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG transit buses in January 2023.
The new 40-foot buses will help COTA meet the growing demand for public transit services in the Central Ohio region while delivering on its sustainability commitments.
Chief Engineering and Mechanical Officer Andy Biesterveld said: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. 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. As the central Ohio region grows, COTA believes our transit system must grow responsibly and that includes reducing our carbon footprint in our communities.
COTA is a primary public transit provider in the greater Columbus and Central Ohio region, delivering nearly 19 million annual passenger trips on 410 transit vehicles.
The Xcelsior CHARGE NG electric buses ordered for COTA’s fleet will be equipped with high-energy, 520 kWh batteries that have been designed to power energy-efficient and longer-range buses.
Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI said:Built on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior platform, the Xcelsior CHARGE NG bus incorporates three distinct technology advancements: high-energy batteries, advanced protective battery packaging; and a new lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.
NFI has delivered 190 transit buses to COTA since 2001, including the agency's first battery-electric bus in 2021. Building on our 20-year partnership, NFI is proud to continue supporting COTA's transition to greener, safer, and more efficient mobility.
