On September 15, 2020, Proterra announced the ZX5 available in 35-and-40-foot (10.7 and 12.2m) lengths as a replacement for the Proterra Catalyst. The Edmonton Transit System in Edmonton, Alberta was the launch customer for the 40-foot ZX5.[3]
The ZX5 is built using the same composite structure as the Catalyst, consisting of fiberglass with a balsa-core sandwich construction, with minor changes to the roof to accommodate a roof-mounted charging rail and battery. Inside the bus, the roof is 6 inches (150 millimetres) shorter than other buses to allow for the charging capabilities.[1][2]
The ZX5 comes available in three different battery capacities:[4]
ZX5 (220 kWh): With a stated range of 232 and 240 miles (373 to 386 kilometres) of range.
ZX5+ (440 kWh): With a stated range of 232 and 240 miles (373 to 386 kilometres) of range.
ZX5 MAX (660 kWh): (Only available in 40 ft variant) With a stated range of up to 329 miles (529 kilometres) of range.
DuoPower models use two independent 205kW (275hp) motors, with an anergy consumption equivalent of 13.9 to 25.1 mpg-e (242 to 134 kW⋅h/100 mi), though the mileage depends on battery and body length.
ProDrive models use a single 250kW (340hp) motor with slightly lower equivalent efficiency, from 13.5 to 23.5mpg‑e (250 to 143kW⋅h/100mi).[1][2]
Curb weights range between 26,358 to 29,858lb (11,956 to 13,543kg) for the 35-foot models and between 26,649 to 33,350lb (12,088 to 15,127kg) for 40-foot models with ProDrive models being approximately 200lb (91kg) heavier than their DuoPower equivalents.[1][2]
In 2022, Proterra introduced an updated ProDrive 2.0 which pairs the motor with a four-speed transmission from Eaton with electric shifting.[5][6]
The ZX5 is charged using the SAE J3105 (OppCharge) overhead charging protocol while stopped on a layover (opportunity charging), or with a plug-in J1772 CCS DC fast charger when parked in a storage yard.
With any battery option, the ZX5 may be fully charged in about 2.9 hours using the OppCharge system, which offers a maximum charging rate of 330 kW.[2][1] With plug-in charging, the standard ZX5 takes around 2.9 hours to fully charge, while the ZX5 MAX takes around 4.7 hours to fully charge at a more limited rate of 132 kW.[7][8] 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.[1][2]
