Altair Nanotechnologies (Altairnano), a provider of energy storage systems, has received a purchase order of $850,000 for its lithium-ion battery modules required by Proterra to satisfy immediate end customer requirements for all electric and hybrid electric transit buses.
This purchase is a follow-on order from an initial $898,400 contract in August 2009. At that time, Proterra purchased battery modules for several zero-emission demonstration buses.
Terry Copeland, president and CEO of Altairnano, said: “This latest purchase order will allow Proterra to meet its immediate customer needs while we work out the remaining details of the more comprehensive agreement.
“We have been collaborating with Proterra for over two years and are excited for the customer interest and traction that they are starting to achieve. We look forward to growing our mutual relationship as demand for Proterra’s product increases as a result of the expanding availability of federal funding for transit bus purchases.”
Jeff Granato, CEO of Proterra, said: “Altairnano’s battery technology coupled with Proterra’s expertise in the design and manufacturing of efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible transit solutions will give us a significant competitive advantage. The distinctive performance attributes of Altairnano’s battery technology specific to our customers’ requirements will make our product offering unique.”
Altairnano will supply Proterra with battery modules based on its 1P10S configuration. Designed for use in commercial EV and HEV applications, the 1P10S module is expected to withstand the rigors of commercial transportation by offering high cycle life, reliability and high power.
The 1P10S module configuration features an operating temperature range between -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +131 degrees Fahrenheit. These 24V battery modules utilize Altairnano’s 50Ah cell, feature a 10-minute charge when coupled with appropriate charging facilities and provide a cycle life up to 9,000 100% depth of discharge cycles. The modules will primarily be used in the production of all-electric, 35ft Proterra FCBE 35 transit buses.