0
0
CALIFORNIA, 21 July 2023: ABC Companies, a leading provider of motorcoach, transit, and specialty passenger transport equipment, in partnership with Proterra Inc, a pioneer in commercial vehicle electrification technology, has officially opened North America’s largest electric motorcoach charging facility.
Situated on a 3.5-acre campus in Newark, California, the facility boasts 20 dual-cable EV charging dispensers, capable of charging up to 40 electric motorcoaches. With a charging power capacity of up to 1.4 megawatts, the facility will efficiently support the growing number of Van Hool 100% electric motorcoaches, which rely on Proterra’s cutting-edge battery technology. The strategic collaboration between ABC Companies, Proterra, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the local utility provider, exemplifies the commitment to meet fleet operators’ requirements to scale their commercial EV operations.
Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies, expressed their dedication to accelerating EV adoption and supporting zero-emission commercial transportation. Over the past two years, ABC Companies has achieved remarkable growth, with over 20% of their motorcoach sales being battery-electric vehicles. However, this rapid expansion necessitates a charging infrastructure capable of handling the size and power demands of these vehicles. Therefore, ABC Companies decided to strategically invest in supporting the existing vehicles in operation. Through partnerships with industry leaders like Proterra and PG&E, ABC Companies solidifies its EV Ecosystem, driving e-mobility and serving customers and communities.
Proterra Energy plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive EV charging solutions to help fleet operators scale their zero-emission commercial vehicle fleets. With a decade of experience in charging installation, Proterra’s electrification experts tailor the ideal fleet charging solution for each project, considering usability, physical footprint, power, and cost, to meet each customer’s unique priorities.
Having gained leadership in electrifying private fleets with hundreds of thousands of miles logged in operational deployment, ABC Companies offers “Fleet Electrification Services” with a broad range of EV options and charging equipment. This enables them to support their customers’ distinct roadmaps towards zero emissions.
Chris Bailey, Proterra’s Chief Business Officer, emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Proterra’s unique technology ecosystem spans batteries, vehicles, chargers, and fleet management software, enabling partners like ABC Companies to deliver high-performing commercial EVs and efficient charging solutions. Strategic planning and collaboration, as seen in the close partnership among Proterra, ABC Companies, and PG&E, played a pivotal role in launching this groundbreaking charging facility.
PG&E’s EV Fleet Program also contributes to accelerating EV adoption for commercial customers, providing comprehensive construction support and financial incentives for medium- and heavy-duty fleet customers to install charging infrastructure. To date, the EV Fleet Program has contracted over 180 sites, supporting the electrification of more than 3,700 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in PG&E’s service territory.
Lydia Krefta, PG&E’s Director for Clean Energy Transportation, commends the support given to ABC Companies’ vehicle electrification efforts through the EV Fleet Program. This project aligns with PG&E’s core focus on preparing the grid for the future, increasing access to charging infrastructure, and facilitating electric transportation adoption. PG&E remains committed to providing simple and affordable clean transportation programs and incentives, supporting California’s clean air and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and collective action on climate change.
Conclusion
The partnership between ABC Companies and Proterra in establishing North America’s largest electric motorcoach charging facility represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and efficient transportation. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, this state-of-the-art charging facility marks a significant advancement in the adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles, driving us closer to a greener future.
