{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Short description|American battery electric transit bus}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Proterra Catalyst | image = File:Proterra electric bus leaving Eastgate P&R (22998410693).jpg | caption = Catalyst BE40 operated by King County Metro | manufacturer = Proterra | aka = | production = 2014–2020 | assembly = | predecessor = Proterra EcoRide | successor = Proterra ZX5 | class = Transit bus | body_style = Monocoque stressed skin | layout = Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive | platform = | transmission = Eaton EEV-7202<ref name=Altoona-BE40/> | wheelbase = BE40: {{convert|296.5|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE40>{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/454 |title=Federal Transit Bus Test: 12 Year/500,000 Mile bus from Proterra, Inc. {{!}} Model BE40 |date=May 2015 |publisher=Pennsylvania Transportation Institute}}</ref><br/>BE35: {{convert|243|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE35>{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/494 |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra 35-foot Catalyst FC |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=June 2018}}</ref> | length = BE40: {{convert|42|ft|7+1/2|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE40/><br/>BE35: {{convert|36|ft|11+1/2|in|m|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE35/> | width = {{convert|102|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE40/> | height = {{convert|134|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE40/> | weight = {{ubl|BE40: {{convert|27370|lb|kg|-2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE40/>|BE35: {{convert|29910|lb|kg|-2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Altoona-BE35/>}} | related = | designer = | sp = us | motor = {{Unbulleted list|UQM Technologies PP220 (original)<ref name=Altoona-BE40/>|UQM Technologies SPM250-130-2 (ProDrive)<ref name=Altoona-PD>{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/502 |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT35PD |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=January 2019}}</ref>|2×Parker Hannifin GVM310-125 (DuoPower)<ref name=Altoona-DP>{{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/519 |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT40DP |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=September 2020}}</ref>}} }} The '''Proterra Catalyst''' is a battery-electric low-floor transit bus that was built by Proterra from 2014 to 2020. The second generation of Proterra's battery-electric buses, it succeeded the earlier EcoRide as the company's flagship product.

== History == {{Unreferenced section|date=July 2024}} In 2014 Proterra introduced the Catalyst, a fast-charge 100% electric bus to replace the EcoRide BE35. The bus was built on the EcoRide's design and engineering and delivered a longer, lighter and more fuel-efficient bus. The second-generation bus measures either {{convert|42|ft|abbr=on||1}} or {{convert|36|feet|abbr=on||1}} and weighs approximately {{convert|27000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. The bus is built from lightweight, durable carbon composite. The overall lower weight helps reduce wear and tear on streets. It has no tailpipe and runs virtually silent.

== Specifications == [[File:SAN Airport Inter-Terminal Shuttle Proterra Catalyst BE35 SAN Terminal 2 (52226306222).jpg|thumb|Catalyst BE35 operated by San Diego International Airport]] With the on-route fast charging system, the Catalyst can be operated continuously, 24/7, without the need to head to the depot for lengthy charge times. Catalyst buses equipped with the Fast Charge (FC) battery pack can charge at a rate of up to 500&nbsp;kW.<ref name=Catalyst-intro>{{cite web |url=http://louisianacleanfuels.org/images/meeting/041416/LAF_Presentations/proterra.pdf |title=Proterra Catalyst Platform Introduction |date=April 14, 2016 |publisher=Louisiana Alternative Fuels Conference & Expo |accessdate=July 13, 2018}}</ref> The company added a {{convert|35|ft|4=1|abbr=on}} model of the Catalyst to its product line in October 2015.

Catalyst is a modular system, offered with two different lengths, two different drivetrains, and seven different batteries, depending on the required passenger capacity, speed (hill performance),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DT_PERF_HC-1.pdf |title=Proterra 40 Foot Bus drivetrain performance |author= |date= |publisher=Proterra |accessdate=July 12, 2018}}</ref> and range, respectively.<ref name=ProterraSpecs>{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/products/35-foot-catalyst/ |title=The Proterra Catalyst 35-foot transit vehicle |author= |date= |publisher=Proterra |accessdate=July 12, 2018}}</ref> === Drivetrains === At introduction, the Catalyst was equipped with a single electric traction motor, the UQM Technologies HD220.<ref name=Altoona-BE40/><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.uqm.com/English/news/News/press-releases/press-release-details/2015/UQM-Technologies-Receives-New-Orders-for-Proterras-Catalyst-Bus-Program-for-Calendar-Year-2016-Delivery/default.aspx |title=UQM Technologies receives new orders for Proterra's Catalyst bus program for calendar year 2016 delivery |date=November 5, 2015 |publisher=UQM Technologies |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref> The HD220 was rated at {{convert|220|kW|hp|abbr=on}} peak power ({{convert|120|kW|hp|abbr=on}} continuous) and {{convert|700|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} peak torque ({{convert|350|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} continuous); a later revision, designated HD220+, increased continuous power and torque ratings to {{convert|150|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|440|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}}, respectively.<ref name=UQM-motors>{{cite web |url=https://www.uqm.com/English/products/propulsion/commercial-vehicles/transit-buses/default.aspx |title=Transit Buses |publisher=UQM Technologies |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref>

The DuoPower drivetrain was introduced in October 2017; it uses two electric traction motors and has a claimed 20% increase in efficiency compared to the original single-motor drivetrain, which was redesignated ProDrive.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/10/20171009-proterra.html |title=Proterra introduces two-motor DuoPower drivetrain for its Catalyst electric buses; partnership with Van Hool |date=9 October 2017 |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref> As ProDrive, the Catalyst was equipped with an upgraded UQM HD250 motor,<ref name=Altoona-PD/> which offered increased ratings of {{convert|250|kW|hp|abbr=on}} peak power ({{convert|150|kW|hp|abbr=on}} continuous) and {{convert|900|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} peak torque ({{convert|360|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}} continuous).<ref name=UQM-motors/> The DuoPower traction motors are permanent magnet alternating current motors<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.31c35c58f54e63cb97b11b10237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=c05969dafb00a610VgnVCM100000e6651dacRCRD |title=Parker Hannifin to showcase its latest mobile system solutions at bauma 2019 |date=April 8, 2019 |publisher=Parker Hannifin |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref> manufactured by Parker Hannifin as part of their Global Vehicle Motor (GVM) series.<ref name=Altoona-DP/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://promo.parker.com/parkerimages/Parker.com/Literature/Electromechanical%20North%20America/CATALOGS-BROCHURES/GVM%20Catalog.pdf |title=Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Accessory, Power Generation & Traction Motor Solutions |date=2014 |publisher=Parker Hannifin |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Batteries === Buses equipped with the FC (Fast Charge) family of batteries are intended for circulator routes; XR (eXtended Range) battery buses are intended for intermediate-mileage routes; and E2 (Efficient Energy) battery buses are intended for high-mileage routes.<ref name="E2-battery">{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2016/09/20160912-proterra.html |title=Proterra launches new Catalyst E2 series electric bus with nominal range of up to 350 miles |date=September 12, 2016 |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=July 12, 2018}}</ref> The buses were initially offered with lithium-titanate battery chemistry, which Proterra redesignated the TerraVolt FC. FC batteries can be fully recharged in less than ten minutes.<ref name=FC-XR-gcc/>

The TerraVolt XR lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries<ref name="Catalyst-intro" /> were introduced in 2015 with improved range but slower charging, approximately one hour to full charge.<ref name="FC-XR-gcc">{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2015/02/20150224-proterra.html |title=Proterra introduces new extended range battery pack for electric transit buses; up to 180 miles |date=February 24, 2015 |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=July 12, 2018}}</ref>

TerraVolt E2 batteries were introduced in 2016 with the longest range and slowest charging.<ref name="E2-battery" /> The E2 battery range features a 3–5 hour charge time.<ref name=E2-battery/><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/09/new-electric-bus-can-drive-350-miles-one-charge/ |title=This new electric bus can drive 350 miles on one charge |author=Marshall, Aarian |date=12 September 2016 |magazine=Wired |accessdate=12 July 2018}}</ref> E2 batteries have an energy density of 160 W-hr/kg and 260 W-hr/L, and use cells from LG Chem.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.proterra.com/press-release/proterra-and-lg-chem-announce-co-development-of-new-battery-cell/ |title=Proterra and LG Chem announce co-development of new battery cell |date=September 19, 2017 |publisher=Proterra, Inc. |accessdate=6 November 2020}}</ref>

Batteries are carried under the Catalyst chassis, and use an interchangeable mounting system, so each Catalyst can hold between four and ten battery packs. The batteries can be swapped out, upgraded, or reconfigured as needs change.<ref name=Catalyst-intro />

=== Charging === {{multiple image | total_width = 375 | image1 = King County Metro Proterra Catalyst (24471101374).jpg | caption1 = Overhead / en-route (Feb&nbsp;2016) | image2 = Proterra electric bus at Eastgate P&R (23516861652).jpg | caption2 = Curbside (Nov 2015) | footer = Under evaluation with King County Metro Transit at Eastgate Park & Ride | align = right | direction = | alt1 = | header = Charging infrastructure alternatives }} Buses can charge en route, allowing more trips and higher productivity for circulator or loop routes. One common example is to have charging stations at major transit centers. Two examples of this are the Washington Plaza Bus Terminal in New York and the Mill Woods Transit Center in Edmonton.

Charging rates range from 60 to 120&nbsp;kW (using the SAE J1772 CCS ports) and from 166 to 350&nbsp;kW (using a J3105 overhead fast-charger).<ref name=Catalyst-40>{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Proterra-Catalyst-Vehicle-Specs.pdf |title=Catalyst Specifications: 40 foot bus |publisher=Proterra, Inc. |accessdate=6 November 2020}}</ref><ref name=Catalyst-35>{{cite web |url=https://www.proterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Proterra-Catalyst-35-ft-spec-sheet-2019.pdf |title=Catalyst Performance Specifications: 35 foot bus |publisher=Proterra, Inc. |accessdate=6 November 2020}}</ref> In 2018, Proterra began offering the OppCharge (SAE J3105-1) overhead charger instead of its proprietary "blade" overhead charger.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://insideevs.com/news/338248/proterra-switches-to-sae-j3105-standard-for-overhead-charging/ |title=Proterra Switches To SAE J3105 Standard For Overhead Charging |author=Kane, Mark |date=May 20, 2018 |work=Inside EVs |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref>

== Replacement == {{Unreferenced section|date=July 2024}}{{Main|Proterra ZX5}} On September 15, 2020, Proterra announced the replacement to the Catalyst, the ZX5. The ZX5 40' replaced the BE40 and the ZX5 35' replaced the BE35. Edmonton Transit Service was the launch customer, ordering 40 ZX5 40' buses.

== Notable operators == [[File:MTA NYC Bus B32 bus turning onto 21st St.jpg|thumb|Catalyst BE40 of the New York MTA]] {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" !Operator !Location !Model !Model Year(s) !Quantity |- |King County Metro |Seattle | rowspan="6" |BE40 |2015 |3 |- |DC Circulator |Washington, D.C. | rowspan="3" |2017 |14 |- |NYMTA |New York City |5 |- |SEPTA |Philadelphia |25 |- |Toronto Transit Commission |Toronto |2019-2020 |25 |- |Chicago Transit Authority |Chicago |2020 |25 |}

== See also == '''Competing models''' * New Flyer XE Xcelsior CHARGE * BYD K9M * Nova Bus LFSe and LFSe+

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{commons category}} ===Test reports=== * {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/454.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra BE40 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=May 2015}} * {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/480.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra Catalyst E2 |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=September 2017}} * {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/494.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra 35-foot Catalyst FC |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=June 2018}} * {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/502.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT35PD |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=January 2019}} * {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/519.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT40DP |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=September 2020}} * {{cite report |url=http://apps.altoonabustest.psu.edu/buses/reports/520.pdf |title=Federal Transit Bus Test, Proterra CAT40DP (800V six-pack) |publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center |date=October 2020}}

Category:Buses of the United States Category:Buses of Canada Category:Battery electric buses Category:Vehicles introduced in 2014 Category:Low-floor buses Category:Single-deck buses Category:Proterra vehicles Category:Vehicles discontinued in 2020