Proterra Power Launches “Large Featherlight” – Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Range and Efficiency

BURLINGAME, CA – October 26, 2023 – Proterra Powered LLC, a leading provider of battery technology for commercial vehicles, today unveiled its newest innovation: "Large Featherlight," a next-generation battery pack designed to dramatically increase range and reduce weight in electric buses and trucks. This breakthrough promises to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by addressing two of the biggest hurdles in the electric vehicle market: range anxiety and payload capacity. Proterra Power, based in Burlingame, California, has been quietly revolutionizing the commercial vehicle industry for over a decade. Starting as a manufacturer of electric buses, the company quickly recognized the critical role battery technology played in vehicle performance and sustainability. Now, they’re focusing entirely on being the battery supplier, providing their proven, robust technology to a wider range of vehicle manufacturers. You might not see the Proterra name on the front of every electric bus on the road, but there’s a very good chance their batteries are powering it. Reaching customers across North America (and increasingly globally!), Proterra Power, at 1815 Rollins Rd, is committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future. You can reach their team at 254-542-8622. “We’ve been listening to our customers – bus and truck operators – for years,” explains Chris Bailey, VP of Product at Proterra Power. “They need more range, and they need to maximize the weight they can carry. ‘Large Featherlight’ is the answer. It’s not just about packing more energy density into a battery; it’s about doing it in a way that doesn't compromise safety, reliability, or cost.” What Makes ‘Large Featherlight’ Different? The key lies in a totally revamped cell-to-pack design and a new material science approach. Traditionally, battery packs are built with individual cells bundled together with a lot of heavy supporting structure. ‘Large Featherlight’ integrates the cells directly into a structural frame, drastically reducing the amount of non-energy-carrying material. “Think of it like building with LEGOs versus building with a bunch of loose bricks,” says Emily Carter, Lead Battery Engineer on the project. “We've created a much more integrated, structurally sound system. This means less weight and improved thermal management.” Here's a breakdown of the core innovations: Advanced Cell Chemistry: Proterra Power isn’t sharing all the secrets, but they confirm ‘Large Featherlight’ utilizes a next-generation nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cell chemistry optimized for both energy density and cycle life. This means more range and a longer-lasting battery. Cell-to-Pack Architecture: This is the big one. By eliminating much of the traditional module structure, Proterra Power has reduced the pack weight by up to 20% compared to previous generations. That's a significant saving, especially for heavy-duty vehicles. Integrated Thermal Management: ‘Large Featherlight’ features a sophisticated liquid cooling system integrated directly into the pack structure. This keeps the cells operating at optimal temperatures, improving performance, extending lifespan, and enhancing safety. Overheating is a major concern with batteries, and Proterra Power has addressed it head-on. Enhanced Safety Features: Safety is paramount. ‘Large Featherlight’ incorporates multiple layers of protection, including cell-level monitoring, robust thermal barriers, and a reinforced housing designed to withstand severe impacts. The battery has undergone rigorous testing to meet or exceed all relevant safety standards. Scalable Design: ‘Large Featherlight’ is designed to be easily scaled to meet the specific needs of different vehicle platforms. Whether it's a 40-foot electric bus or a Class 8 electric truck, Proterra Power can tailor the battery pack to deliver the optimal combination of range, weight, and performance. Impact on the Electric Vehicle Market The implications of ‘Large Featherlight’ are far-reaching. For electric buses, the increased range means longer routes, fewer charging stops, and reduced operating costs. For electric trucks, the weight savings translate to a higher payload capacity, allowing for more efficient freight transportation. “We’re talking about a game-changer,” says David Miller, a transportation analyst at GreenFleet Insights. “Range and payload are the two biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoption in the commercial sector. ‘Large Featherlight’ directly addresses both of those challenges. It will make electric vehicles a much more viable option for a wider range of applications.” Early Adopters and Availability Several leading bus and truck manufacturers are already evaluating ‘Large Featherlight’ for integration into their upcoming electric vehicle models. Proterra Power expects the battery pack to be available for production vehicles starting in the second half of 2024. “We're incredibly excited about the potential of ‘Large Featherlight’ to accelerate the transition to a zero-emission transportation future,” concludes Chris Bailey. “We’re not just building batteries; we’re building a sustainable future, one vehicle at a time." Key Specs at a Glance: Energy Density: Up to 250 Wh/kg (estimated) Weight Reduction: Up to 20% compared to previous generation packs Cycle Life: 3,000+ cycles at 80% capacity retention Operating Voltage: 800V Cooling System: Liquid cooled, direct cell contact Safety Certifications: Pending UL 2580, IEC 62133 About Proterra Powered LLC: Proterra Powered LLC is a leading provider of battery technology for commercial vehicles. Headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra Power designs and manufactures high-performance battery packs that deliver superior range, reliability, and safety. The company’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and build a sustainable future for transportation. For more information, visit [hypothetical website address] or call 254-542-8622.