Bus manufacturer New Flyer of America has unveiled its next-generation electric heavy-duty transit bus, built on its proven Xcelsior platform.

New Flyer’s battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE and fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses have logged 4.5 million service miles to date. The new and improved Xcelsior CHARGE NG incorporates three distinct technology advancements: a next-generation battery pack extends range up to 13%; new protective battery packaging makes installation and service easier; and a new lightweight electric traction drive system is capable of up to 90% energy recovery.

New Flyer manufactures its own batteries in its bus production facilities. The new battery packaging uses single waterproof enclosure design and offers reduced weight, simpler maintenance and 90% fewer parts compared to the previous generation. Its streamlined approach allows technicians to simply plug in or unplug individual battery packs, allowing easy replacement and reducing bus downtime.

The Xcelsior CHARGE NG’s battery packs use an active liquid cooling system to maintain temperature and respond quickly to increases in power demand and environmental loads. The new generation has improved battery insulation, enabling optimal temperature maintenance, prolonged battery life and greater power efficiency.

The Siemens ELFA 3 traction system delivers up to 90% energy recovery, and weighs 69% less than the previous ELFA 2 system, allowing greater passenger capacity and enabling more efficient design thanks to compact inverters and embedded drive controllers.

“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG harnesses the best technology on the market,” said New Flyer President Chris Stoddart. “It includes a streamlined design that reduces maintenance, increases energy density, and improves energy recovery while significantly reducing weight—offering a lighter, more energy-efficient and longer-range electric bus. As EV demand continues to build, so too has our innovation. With better manufacturability, higher energy recovery, fewer parts and improved system durability, our Xcelsior CHARGE NG is a high-performance bus that is more sustainable and easier to maintain.”

Source: New Flyer