The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has ordered an additional eight NFI battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG forty-foot heavy-duty transit buses, expanding the agency’s zero-emission electric fleet to ten New Flyer electric buses.
The order also includes four ABB depot chargers from NFI Infrastructure Solutions to support the deployment of electric buses. The purchase is supported by funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and comes in the final year of a two-year contract originally announced in 2020.
Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach said:Since 2001, NFI has delivered over 165 transit buses to COTA. We are now are enabling its transition to zero-emission with high performance buses and infrastructure. Our Xcelsior CHARGE NG is our most advanced EV featuring a lightweight traction system, offering extended range, and incorporating up to 525kWh of power. Our mobility solutions are truly leading the “ZEvolution” – and COTA is at the forefront of North America’s transition.
COTA provides public transit services in the greater Columbus and central Ohio region. Its latest order of NFI battery-electric buses advances the agency’s five-year Strategic Plan to be diesel-free by 2025 and builds upon previous purchases of NFI compressed natural gas transit buses.
The Xcelsior CHARGE NG features three technology advancements, including high-energy batteries that extend the vehicle’s range by up to 13 percent, advanced protective battery packaging for easy installation and serviceability, and a new lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90 percent energy recovery.
