Proterra ZX5


The ZX5 is a battery-electric, low-floor transit bus that was developed and originally manufactured by Proterra from 2020. Since 2024, it has been manufactured by Phoenix Motorcars.

History

On September 15, 2020, Proterra announced the replacement to the Catalyst, the ZX5, available in nominal lengths. Edmonton Transit System of Edmonton, Alberta was the launch customer for the 40-foot ZX5.

Background

Design updates

The ZX5 features the same fiberglass and balsa wood body structure as the Catalyst, but incorporate design changes to both increase battery capacity and standardization with electric vehicle charging protocols. The overall appearance of the vehicle is more angular, while the roof fairing is more streamlined with provisions for roof-mounted battery packs, as well as optional integrated roof charger rails. The redesigned roof fairing has decreased overall height by compared to the Catalyst.
Multiple battery options are offered on the ZX5, designated ZX5, ZX5+, and ZX5 MAX for the 220, 440, and models, respectively. Each of the three battery options is also offered with one of two drivetrains, which Proterra brands DuoPower or ProDrive. The standard ZX5 model, with a 220 kWh energy storage system, can travel up to on a single charge, depending on the configuration of the vehicle. The ZX5+ model with 440 kWh can travel up to on a single charge. The ZX5MAX is the longest-range option available. With 660 kWh, the ZX5MAX can travel up to on a single charge. The ZX5MAX battery option is only available for the 40-foot length ZX5.
DuoPower models use two independent motors, operating at a claimed, depending on the battery and body length. ProDrive models use a single motor, with slightly lower equivalent efficiency ranging from. Curb weights range between for the 35-foot models and between for 40-foot models, with ProDrive models being approximately heavier than their DuoPower equivalents.
In 2022, Proterra introduced an updated ProDrive 2.0 which pairs the motor with a four-speed transmission from Eaton with electric shifting. This new transmission allows buses to climb steeper grades, accelerate faster, and operate more efficiently, extending range.
Since Proterra went bankrupt in August 2023, the transit bus manufacturing division was sold to Phoenix Motorcars, under which the ZX5 is now manufactured. The Proterra branding was replaced with Phoenix's own.

Charging

The ZX5 can be charged using the SAE J3105 overhead charging protocol while stopped on a layover or while parked in a storage yard, or with a plug-in J1772 CCS DC fast charger when parked in a storage yard.
The ZX5 with any battery option can be fully charged in around 2.9 hours using the OppCharge system, which offers a maximum charging rate of 330 kW. Utilizing plug-in charging, the standard ZX5 takes around 2.9 hours to be fully charged, while the ZX5 MAX takes around 4.7 hours to be fully charged at a more limited rate of 132 kW, assuming a 200 A DC power supply. One CCS charge port is standard at the rear curbside corner, and an additional CCS port can be added either at the front curbside or rear streetside corner.