The Capital Metro Transportation Authority (CapMetro), a public transportation provider in Austin, Texas, has ordered 26 zero-emission battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot transit buses under an existing five-year contract with New Flyer of America, a subsidiary of NFI Group.
The contract, announced in November 2021, included up to 126 40-foot and up to 15 60-foot battery-electric buses, and NFI added this new order to its backlog in the second quarter of 2023.
“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG is our latest EV – capable of avoiding up to 135 tons of greenhouse gas per year from tailpipe emissions – and [it] will deliver innovative and sustainable mobility in the greater Austin region,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “Built on the proven Xcelsior platform, these EVs feature consistent vehicle design with all propulsion systems in CapMetro's fleet, resulting in consistent training, parts, and service support on these vehicle systems.”
The 26 buses include high-energy batteries, advanced protective battery packaging for easy installation and simple serviceability, and a lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.
The order supports CapMetro’s Rapid project to introduce four new bus lines for improving commuting options and passenger satisfaction in Austin. Part of CapMetro's Project Connect, Rapid aims to expand and improve public transportation in Central Texas by reimagining its transit program and reducing carbon emissions through fleet electrification.
