Up to 460 New Flyer e-buses headed to Boston (starting with 80 units)

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has awardedNew Flyer a contract for up to 460 next-generation Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot battery-electric transit buses (BEBs).

The contract includes a firm order for 80 vehicles, including 48 buses with New Flyer’s standard two-door configuration and 32 buses with an additional streetside door for dual-side boarding, plus options for an additional 380 buses, NFI states.

New Flyers gets order for 80 e-buses

The purchase will be supported by funds awarded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission (Low-No) grant program. This contract, made public on 29th April, was added to New Flyer’s backlog in Q4 2023, the group adds.

“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG incorporates the latest innovations of our battery-electric bus technology, which leads to a more efficient vehicle with longer range and better serviceability. The use of our proven Xcelsior platform will also make it easier for the MBTA to integrate these new vehicles into their fleet, due to the high commonality in training, parts, and service operations for the different propulsion options across the Xcelsior product family,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “The 25-year relationship between New Flyer and the MBTA has included more than 1,200 bus deliveries and is built on a mutual commitment to providing innovative and forward-focused transit solutions for the people of Boston and its surrounding areas.”