Proterra unveils new multi-dispenser heavy-duty electric

American automotive and energy storage company Proterra has launched a multi-dispenser charging solution designed as a cost-effective and flexible option for transit agencies and electric school bus fleet operators.

Proterra – which bills itself as “a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation” – launched its new multi-dispenser charging solution earlier this week, offering a solution which enables the company’s charging systems to boast multiple low-profile charging dispensers paired with a single Power Control System (PCS).

In turn, with less hardware to purchase and less equipment to install, Protera’s new multi-dispenser charging solution lowers the cost of infrastructure for heavy-duty electric customers and also reduces the space needed for charging systems.

The new heavy-duty electric multi-dispenser charging solution provides automated and sequential vehicle charging of up to four vehicles per PCS, which means each vehicle will be charged one after the other automatically and at full power.

Designed for Proterra’s 60 kW and 125 kW systems and serving the Proterra Catalyst transit vehicle as well as the Proterra Powered Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus.

Further, customers who already own Proterra chargers can retrofit the multi-dispenser onto their existing PCS units.

“One of the biggest challenges with full fleet electrification is managing a complex energy ecosystem and charging infrastructure,” said Proterra Chief Commercial Officer Matt Horton.

“Proterra has consistently designed and developed both products and services that help lower upfront costs and provide flexible, scalable charging solutions to meet customer needs.”

Proterra’s charging systems utilise the North American-standard J1772-CCS plug-in as well as the SAE J3105 overhead pantograph technology, which together enable electric-vehicle fleet operators the option of charging a variety of heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles.

Proterra chargers are also vehicle-to-grid capable and smart-grid ready, meaning that vehicles and infrastructure designed to allow grid operators access to electricity stored in electric vehicles in times of peak demand.