Proterra Power Launches Featherlight Battery System, Redefining Range & Performance for Commercial Vehicles

BURLINGAME, CA – October 26, 2023 – Proterra Powered LLC, a leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification based in Burlingame, California, today announced the launch of its revolutionary “Large Featherlight” battery system. This next-generation battery pack is poised to significantly extend the range and enhance the performance of electric commercial vehicles, from delivery vans and shuttle buses to heavy-duty trucks. Proterra, with a proven track record of powering some of the most advanced electric buses in North America, is now bringing that expertise to a wider range of commercial applications. “We’ve been dedicated to driving the shift towards sustainable transportation for years," explains a Proterra spokesperson. "The ‘Large Featherlight’ isn’t just an incremental upgrade, it’s a game changer for fleets looking to electrify.” What Makes ‘Large Featherlight’ Different? Simply put, ‘Large Featherlight’ delivers more range without the added weight. Traditionally, increasing battery capacity to extend range meant adding significant weight to a vehicle, impacting payload capacity and efficiency. Proterra’s engineers tackled this challenge head-on with a completely redesigned battery architecture. “We really focused on making something light and powerful,” explains the lead engineer on the project. “It’s a bit like taking the weight out of a feather – you want the surface area for capacity, but none of the bulk.” Here's how Proterra achieved that: Advanced Cell Chemistry: The ‘Large Featherlight’ leverages the latest advancements in battery cell technology, optimizing for energy density and longevity. While specific cell chemistry details remain proprietary, Proterra confirms the system offers a noticeable improvement in watt-hours per kilogram compared to previous generations. Redesigned Module & Pack Architecture: The internal structure of the battery pack has been completely overhauled. Proterra has implemented a novel module design and a streamlined pack assembly process, dramatically reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining structural integrity and thermal management. Integrated Thermal Management System: Maintaining optimal battery temperature is critical for performance and lifespan. The ‘Large Featherlight’ features an advanced liquid cooling system that efficiently dissipates heat, even under demanding operating conditions. This contributes to both increased range and extended battery life. Scalable Design: Proterra understands that different vehicles have different energy requirements. The ‘Large Featherlight’ is designed to be scalable, allowing fleets to configure the battery pack to meet their specific needs. This flexibility reduces development costs and speeds up time to market. Impact on Commercial Fleets The ‘Large Featherlight’ battery system offers several key benefits for commercial fleets: Extended Range: Fleets can expect a significant increase in operational range compared to vehicles equipped with older battery technology. This translates to fewer charging stops and increased uptime. Proterra estimates range increases of up to 30% in certain applications. Increased Payload Capacity: By reducing the weight of the battery system, fleets can carry more goods or passengers, improving overall efficiency and profitability. Lower Total Cost of Ownership: While the initial investment in an electric vehicle can be higher than a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, the ‘Large Featherlight’ helps to lower the total cost of ownership by reducing energy consumption, maintenance costs, and emissions. Reduced Emissions: Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable future. Faster Charging Capabilities: The ‘Large Featherlight’ is designed to support fast charging infrastructure, minimizing downtime and maximizing vehicle utilization. Beyond Buses: Expanding the Reach of Proterra Power While Proterra is well-known for its electric bus technology, the company is actively expanding its reach into other commercial vehicle segments. “We see a huge opportunity to help businesses of all sizes transition to electric fleets,” says a company representative. "The ‘Large Featherlight’ is a key enabler of that transition." Proterra is currently working with several companies to integrate the ‘Large Featherlight’ battery system into a variety of applications, including: Delivery Vans: Ideal for last-mile delivery services, providing extended range and increased payload capacity. Shuttle Buses: Perfect for airport transportation, hotel shuttles, and campus transportation, offering a comfortable and sustainable passenger experience. Medium-Duty Trucks: Suitable for vocational applications such as landscaping, construction, and waste management. Heavy-Duty Trucks: Addressing the challenges of long-haul trucking with extended range and fast charging capabilities. Looking Ahead Proterra Powered LLC is committed to driving innovation in commercial vehicle electrification. The ‘Large Featherlight’ battery system is just the latest example of the company’s dedication to providing sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for the transportation industry. "We're not stopping here," explains the Proterra spokesperson. "We're constantly researching and developing new technologies to push the boundaries of what's possible in electric vehicles." About Proterra Powered LLC Proterra Powered LLC, located at 1815 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010-2204, United States, and reachable at 254-542-8622, is a leading provider of battery technology and electrification solutions for commercial vehicles. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Proterra is helping to create a cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable transportation future. The company designs, manufactures, and integrates battery systems, drivetrains, and charging infrastructure for a wide range of applications. Proterra’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and create a positive impact on the environment.