Heavy-duty electric transportation specialist Proterra is working with LG Chem to develop new battery cell technology that is specifically tailored to the performance and safety criteria of the heavy-duty vehicle market.
The companies say the cell chemistry has been optimized for “exceptional energy throughput capability, high charge rate acceptance, and industry leading energy density.” Proterra’s new Burlingame battery production facility is currently ramping production to meet demand and can produce over 500 MWh of E2 battery packs on an annual basis.
“Between Proterra’s demonstrated leadership in the heavy-duty electric vehicle industry, and the company’s battery expertise, Proterra has been a strong partner for LG Chem to co-develop a battery cell for this important market,” says Youngsun Kim, LG Chem’s vice president of marketing.
Last year, Proterra introduced the Catalyst E2 – an electric transit bus capable of traveling up to 350 miles on a single charge. For this program, LG Chem developed an advanced battery cell with a pack-level energy density of 160 Wh/kg and 260Wh/L.
Proterra notes that it has also introduced an innovative battery-lease financing model that enables transit agencies to purchase electric buses at approximately the same price as fossil fuel-based alternatives.
“It is a pivotal time in the heavy-duty vehicle market, as transit, delivery and refuse services wake up to the combined benefits of electric propulsion,” says Ryan Popple, Proterra CEO. “We are thrilled to be working with LG Chem to deliver best-in-class batteries to meet these unique market demands, and enable mass adoption of zero-emission battery-electric fleets.”
