An order from Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) for 26 zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot transit buses has been placed to NFI Group Inc., NFI's subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer). The vehicles, purchased off the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services contract have been added to the company’s backlog in the second quarter of 2023.
The order for additional zero-emission buses follows COTA’s previous purchase of 14 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG transit buses in January 2023. These new zero-emission buses will help COTA meet the growing mobility demand in the Central Ohio region and deliver on the agency’s sustainability commitments.
“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,” said COTA Chief Engineering and Mechanical Officer Andy Biesterveld. “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.”
“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 percent energy recovery,” said Chris Stoddart, president of NFI. “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.”
The next generation of zero-emission buses for COTA will be equipped with high-energy, 520 kWh batteries, delivering more energy-efficient and longer-range buses. COTA is a primary provider of public transit services for the greater Columbus and central Ohio region, providing nearly 19 million annual passenger trips on 410 transit vehicles in its fleet.
