The ZX5 features the same fiberglass and balsa wood body structure as the Catalyst, but incorporate design changes to both increase battery capacity and standardization with electric vehicle charging protocols.

DuoPower models use two independent 205 kW (275 hp) motors, operating at a claimed 13.9 to 25.1 mpg‑e (242 to 134 kW⋅h/100 mi), depending on the battery and body length.

ProDrive models use a single 250 kW (340 hp) motor, with slightly lower equivalent efficiency ranging from 13.5 to 23.5 mpg‑e (250 to 143 kW⋅h/100 mi).

[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.

This new transmission allows buses to climb steeper grades, accelerate faster, and operate more efficiently, extending range.