NFI Group Inc. – a leading bus and coach manufacturer – announced that the Capital Metro Transportation Authority (CapMetro) has exercised an option for 26 battery-electric 40-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG transit buses.
Originally announced in November 2021, the contract includes up to 126 battery-electric 40-foot buses and up to 15 60-foot buses. NFI added a firm order for 26 40-foot EVs to its order backlog in the second quarter of 2023.
These 26 units are Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses, which incorporate three distinct technologies: high-energy batteries, advanced battery protective packaging for easy installation and maintenance, and a lightweight electric drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.
CapMetro is the public transportation provider for Austin, Texas, with over 20 million annual boardings through bus, paratransit, and commuter rail services.
“Our partnership with CapMetro spans over 25 years, and during this time, New Flyer has delivered more than 300 buses. NFI commends CapMetro for its commitment to environmental sustainability, a pivotal step towards a zero-emission future,” said Chris Stoddart, President of NFI’s Transit Bus and Motor Coach Business in North America.
“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG is our latest electric vehicle, capable of avoiding up to 135 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, and will deliver innovative and sustainable mobility to the greater Austin region. Built on the proven Xcelsior platform, they feature a vehicle design consistent with all of CapMetro’s propulsion systems, resulting in consistent training, spare parts, and service support across these vehicle systems.”
These 26 next-generation units will power a fully emissions-free fleet for CapMetro’s Rapid project, which aims to expand and enhance public transportation for the central Texas region by reimagining its transit program and reducing carbon emissions through fleet electrification.
This includes the introduction of four new bus lines to improve transportation options and passenger satisfaction in Austin.
More about NFI
NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating (or on order) in more than 140 cities in six countries.
Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through a four-pillar approach that includes buses and coaches, technology, infrastructure, and workforce development.
NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and workforce development.
Since its opening in late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 350 interactive events, welcoming 7,000 industry professionals for infrastructure and electric vehicle training.”
