UQM Technologies, an alternative energy technologies developer, has secured a contract from Proterra, a manufacturer of electric and hybrid electric transit buses, to supply UQM PowerPhase 150 electric propulsion systems for Proterra’s all-composite fast charge battery electric transit buses.

The one year supply agreement worth $627,500 can rise the total value of the contract to over $1m with additional deliveries permitted in the agreement during its one-year term and the company plans to begin the delivery in October.

The UQM PowerPhase 150 electric propulsion system that produces peak torque of 650Nm and peak power of 150kW will be used in Proterra’s EcoRide BE-35 electric transit bus, which features a lightweight composite body.

The bus also incorporates Proterra’s TerraVolt fast charge energy storage system, including proprietary battery modules and packs and a battery management and energy optimization system that can be charged to full capacity in minutes using a Proterra on-route FastFill charging station.

UQM Technologies chairman and CEO William Rankin said that the company is pleased to continue its multi-year relationship with Proterra as the propulsion system supplier for their energy-efficient transit buses as they begin the commercialization of this potentially game-changing vehicle.

“We expect transit operators to embrace this energy efficient and environmentally-friendly bus over the next several years resulting in an expansion of our sales to Proterra as they grow their penetration of the transit bus market,” Rankin said.