Electric double-deck bus to enter service in 2019

An Alexander Dennis double-deck bus transports passengers in Seattle, Washington. The company is working with electric commercial vehicle provider Proterra to make an electric double decker for Los Angeles County.

West Covina, California – Double-deck bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Inc. (ADI) is partnering with electric bus maker Proterra to build an electric transit bus for Foothill Transit’s fleet in Las Angeles County.

The ADI Enviro500 double-deck bus will feature a Porterra E2 battery pack, helping Foothill reach its goal of an all-electric bus fleet by 2030. The double-decker will enter service next year.

In 2017, Proterra’s high-performance E2 battery technology broke the world record for range, achieving 1,101.2 miles on a single charge with the company’s Catalyst bus. Range for the battery on a double-deck ADI bus was not disclosed.

"We're seeing increasing global demand for electric buses that combine high passenger capacity and comfort," said ADI President Robert Davey. "With congestion and local air quality challenges remaining top of every transit authorities' agenda, we're excited to raise the bar in Los Angeles County with transit pioneer, Foothill Transit, and heavy-duty electric vehicle technology innovator, Proterra."

Proterra E2 battery packs offer energy densities of 157Wh/kg and 260Wh/L. In addition to Proterra E2 batteries, ADI Enviro500 vehicles will be equipped with Proterra charging hardware and battery thermal management to ensure optimal vehicle performance.

"The Alexander Dennis design and ride quality thoroughly impressed our most discerning customers during an extended demo through downtown Los Angeles last year," said Foothill Transit Executive Director Doran Barnes. "As congestion intensifies across Southern California, every inch of road space matters, so increasing passenger occupancy while maintaining comfort and a singular bus footprint is a public transit solution we're really excited to introduce."

The bus will be equipped with Wi-Fi, storage capacity, and other amenities.

"It seems fitting that Foothill Transit will pioneer this next phase of the sustainable transit revolution," said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. "The opportunities to electrify medium- and heavy-duty platforms with our technology, from transit vehicles to trucks and school buses, are abundant."