GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battery-electric bus manufacturer Proterra Inc. has raised more than $30 million in additional funding to accelerate further deployment of its industry-leading zero-emission EV transit technology. Participation in this round of funding was bolstered by rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles in transit, as well as additional deployments by existing customers. Kleiner Perkins and GM Ventures led the financing, with significant growth funding from other existing investors.
Proterra leads the growing EV bus market and has battery-electric transit buses currently in use in cities across the country. The company’s first generation product build slots are filled through the remainder of the year, and Proterra plans to introduce its new second generation product to the transit industry later this year.
“This funding is a vote of continued confidence by our investors who represent leaders in the automotive, energy and tech industries of the increasing momentum for the electrification of transit and Proterra EV buses’ role in this effort,” said Proterra CEO Ryan Popple. “EV transit is no longer an idea for the future; it is real and working daily in cities across the country. EV technology is an ideal fit for urban transit, and this funding will accelerate Proterra’s ability to market a zero-emission, low-cost, clean option for urban mobility to more communities.”
Another $10 million in funding is expected to close within the coming weeks, bringing the total for the financing to $40 million. Edison Energy, Inc. and Constellation Technology Ventures, the venture capital arm of Exelon, have re-invested, expressing enthusiasm for the technology’s ability to allow the electrical grid to benefit consumers more broadly. Tao Invest, Vision Ridge Partners and Hennessey Capital also joined Kleiner Perkins and GM Ventures, with Mitsui & Co. Global Investment, Inc. and 88 Green Ventures set to follow by month’s end. In conjunction with the investment closing, Michael Smith, Constellation vice president and head of Constellation Technology Ventures, will join Proterra’s Board.
Speaking on behalf of the company’s technology investors, Joby Pritzker of Tao Invest noted, “Tao is committed to clean technologies that will have a profound effect on the world around us. Proterra is a natural fit for this investment strategy. Through its continued growth, Proterra has led the charge in electrifying transit, enhancing sustainable mobility options in urban environments across the country.”
Proterra is focused on purpose-built battery-electric vehicles for the transit industry. All elements of the vehicle, from the chassis to the charging system, are optimized and designed for one purpose—electric vehicle performance in a transit application. Its vehicle technology also incorporates state-of-the-art technologies like lightweight composites, a custom heavy-duty electric driveline and autonomous recharging. Proterra electric vehicles have logged over 400,000 zero-emission miles in 11 U.S. cities. This invaluable market experience with leading, early adopter transit agencies has been fully incorporated into Proterra’s next generation electric vehicle—a 40-foot transit bus that will be the lightest, most efficient and highest passenger capacity coach in its class. By combining performance, efficiency and design, the next generation Proterra vehicle will have the lowest per passenger cost and environmental impact of any transit technology—electric, diesel, hybrid or natural gas.
“We are pleased to expand our investment in Proterra, which is playing a leading role in creating electric-powered transportation alternatives for mass transit systems,” said Bert Valdman, senior vice president of strategic planning at Edison International, the parent company of Edison Energy. “Our company has been a pioneer in the research and development of electric transportation technologies. For decades, we have been committed to enhancing and promoting the benefits provided by a variety of electric vehicles. In a region like California, where air quality is so important to our quality of life, it is critical to accelerate the electrification of mass transit capabilities throughout our communities.”
Proterra board member Michael Smith added, “Proterra is changing the future of mass transit by offering transit agencies and commercial customers a zero-emission option and a user experience that’s far and away superior to anything that’s on the road right now. Proterra’s game-changing technology is more than just a fit with our core business as an energy provider; it has the potential to improve the quality of life for our customers in the communities we serve.”
About Tao
Tao Invest, the direct investment entity affiliated with Tao Capital Partners, invests in technology, alternative energy, healthcare and real estate businesses that a have sustainable positive impact. Tao is an active investor with the ability to support companies through various stages of their life-cycle.
About Edison Energy
Edison Energy, a subsidiary of Edison International, is focused on providing energy services to industrial and commercial customers across the nation. Edison Energy is identifying opportunities that capitalize on industry change and leverage the company’s core strengths. Prime areas of interest are distributed generation, electrification of transportation, water purification and power management services to the commercial and industrial sectors. Headquartered in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities.
About Constellation
The Constellation family of retail electricity and natural gas suppliers (www.constellation.com) are subsidiaries of Exelon Corp. and are leading competitive retail suppliers of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. Constellation’s retail businesses serve more than 100,000 business and public sector customers, including more than two-thirds of the Fortune 100, and nearly one million residential customers.
Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC) is the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2013 revenues of approximately $24.9 billion. Headquartered in Chicago, Exelon has operations and business activities in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.
About Proterra
Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of clean technology and clean energy, providing zero- emission vehicles that enable bus fleet operators to significantly reduce operating cost while delivering clean, quiet power to the community. Proterra buses’ fast-charge enabled infinite range makes them well-suited to transit routes. With unmatched durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous industry testing at Altoona, the Proterra product is proudly made in America and based in Greenville, SC. For more information about Proterra, please visit www.proterra.com.
