Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has placed an order for 14 zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ heavy-duty transit buses from New Flyer. The buses, purchased off the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services contract, will be supported by 20 ABB HVC-C 150kW plug-in chargers and 40 dispensers provided by NFI Infrastructure Solutions™. The project coordination and commissioning will also be handled by NFI.
This new order builds on COTA’s previous purchase of eight battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses announced in May 2022. The new buses will help COTA to enhance the passenger experience and transition to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2035, as part of their goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045. This order is supported by Federal Transit Administration funds.
COTA, a regional public transit provider serving the greater Columbus and Central Ohio area, provides nearly 19 million annual passenger trips and has been recognized as a top transit organization. In 2020, it received the Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transportation Association, making it the best transit organization of its size in North America.
“For over 20 years, COTA has relied on NFI’s efficient and safe mobility solutions. NFI has delivered over 186 transit buses to COTA since 2001. With this latest order of high-performance electric buses and infrastructure, we continue to enable COTA’s safe and successful transition to a net zero carbon future,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “Each Xcelsior CHARGE NG will avoid up to 135 metric tons of greenhouse gas per year compared to a traditional diesel bus, delivering substantial clean air benefits to Columbus communities. Together with COTA, we are building more sustainable communities in Ohio.”
The Xcelsior CHARGE NG bus from New Flyer is a zero-emission vehicle that incorporates advanced technology to increase range and make maintenance easier. The bus features high-energy batteries, protective packaging, and a lightweight electric drive system.
New Flyer is supported by NFI Infrastructure Solutions, which provides EV charging infrastructure services for smart, sustainable mobility projects. NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with vehicles operating in over 120 cities in six countries and has completed over 85 million EV service miles. NFI supports cities with sustainable mobility solutions through its four-pillar approach including buses and coaches, technology, infrastructure, and workforce development.
NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center, dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. The VIC has hosted over 300 events and welcomed 5,000 industry professionals since opening in 2017.