Proterra Power Launches Large Flex: Powering the Future of Versatile Electric Vehicles

BURLINGAME, CA – October 26, 2023 – Proterra Powered LLC, a leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification, today announced the launch of Large Flex, a new battery system platform designed to unlock electrification across a wider range of heavy-duty and specialty vehicle applications. Headquartered at 1815 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, CA, 94010-2204, and reachable at 254-542-8622, Proterra is already making waves in the electric bus space, and now they're bringing that expertise to everything from delivery trucks to construction equipment. For a while now, going electric with big vehicles—think anything not a passenger car—has been a headache. The batteries were either too bulky, didn't have enough juice to get the job done, or were just too expensive. Proterra’s been tackling this problem for years, especially with their electric buses, and now they’ve packed all that knowledge into Large Flex. “We’re not just building batteries; we’re building a platform for a future where anything can be electric,” says a Proterra spokesperson. “Large Flex is about making electrification realistic and affordable for companies that need rugged, reliable power for demanding jobs.” What is Large Flex? Basically, Large Flex is a modular battery system. Think LEGOs for electric vehicle power. It's built around a standardized building block, meaning companies can “mix and match” battery packs to get exactly the voltage and energy capacity they need. This is a game-changer because it cuts down on the custom engineering traditionally needed for electric vehicle projects. “Traditionally, if you wanted to electrify a piece of construction equipment, you’d need a totally custom battery pack,” explains an engineer at Proterra. “That’s expensive and takes a long time. With Large Flex, we can take these standardized modules and configure them to fit the specific requirements of the vehicle.” How Does it Work? The Large Flex platform uses Proterra's proven battery cell technology, which is known for its high energy density and durability. These cells are packaged into modules, and then those modules are combined to create a battery pack. Here's the cool part: The system is designed to be scalable. Need a smaller battery pack for a lightweight delivery van? No problem. Need a massive battery pack for a heavy-duty excavator? Large Flex can handle it. “We’ve really focused on flexibility,” says the engineer. “We want our customers to be able to easily adapt the battery system as their needs change. Maybe they start with a smaller battery pack and then upgrade to a larger one as they gain confidence in the technology. Large Flex makes that possible.” Beyond Just Power: A Smart System It's not just about packing a lot of battery cells into a box. Large Flex also incorporates a sophisticated battery management system (BMS). The BMS monitors everything from cell voltage and temperature to state of charge and health. This helps to optimize battery performance, extend battery life, and ensure safety. “The BMS is like the brain of the battery system,” explains a Proterra software engineer. “It’s constantly monitoring and adjusting things to make sure the battery is operating at its peak. It also provides valuable data to our customers, so they can track battery performance and make informed decisions.” What Kinds of Vehicles Can Large Flex Power? Proterra is targeting a wide range of applications with Large Flex, including: Delivery Trucks: Electric delivery trucks are becoming increasingly popular as companies look to reduce their carbon footprint and lower operating costs. Large Flex can provide the range and power needed for last-mile delivery. Construction Equipment: Electric construction equipment is quieter, cleaner, and more efficient than traditional diesel-powered equipment. Large Flex can power excavators, loaders, and other heavy-duty machines. Yard Tractors: Electric yard tractors are used to move shipping containers around ports and distribution centers. Large Flex can provide the power and reliability needed for these demanding applications. Aerial Work Platforms: Electric aerial work platforms are used for construction, maintenance, and repair work. Large Flex can provide the power and runtime needed for these applications. Street Sweepers: Electric street sweepers offer a quieter and cleaner alternative to traditional sweepers, contributing to more sustainable urban environments. Why This Matters The launch of Large Flex is a significant step forward for commercial vehicle electrification. It addresses many of the challenges that have held back the adoption of electric vehicles in the heavy-duty and specialty vehicle market. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from companies that are eager to electrify their fleets, but they need a solution that’s flexible, reliable, and affordable,” says a Proterra sales representative. “Large Flex checks all those boxes.” Proterra isn't just selling batteries; they're offering a complete electrification solution. This includes battery systems, charging infrastructure, and ongoing support. Looking Ahead Proterra plans to continue investing in the Large Flex platform, adding new features and capabilities. They are also working with a growing number of partners to integrate Large Flex into a wider range of vehicles and applications. “We believe that electrification is the future of commercial transportation,” says the Proterra spokesperson. “And we’re committed to providing the technology and expertise that companies need to make that future a reality.” Proterra Powered LLC is positioned at the forefront of this change, one flexible, powerful battery pack at a time. With Large Flex, they’re making the electric future a little more accessible, a little more practical, and a whole lot more powerful.