WINNIPEG, October 26, 2012 - Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer Industries has received a $3.4 million investment from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to develop and implement a rapid-charge battery-electric bus propulsion technology. 

New Flyer will develop and build four electric buses and a high-capacity charging station. The company will then carry out a four-year in-service evaluation of a small fleet of buses with Winnipeg Transit to examine the charging system, battery capacity and component life and reliability.

In addition to having a number of positive benefits for the environment, the use of electric buses could also significantly reduce operating costs and total life cycle costs when compared with diesel and hybrid buses.

The four electric buses also will contribute to reducing Winnipeg Transit fleet's greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air contaminants (CAC) emissions.

During the four-year in-service evaluation the electric buses will produce no tail pipe emissions. That is the equivalent of reducing annual CO₂ equivalent emissions by 160 tonnes when compared to a diesel bus, or reducing annual CO₂ equivalent emissions by 112 tonnes compared to a hybrid bus.

"We're really 'charged up' by the interest in our battery-electric bus," said Paul Soubry, New Flyer's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"This important project further allows us to execute on our electrification project development. It pushes closer to the critical point of cost-effective commercialization of this propulsion technology in bus applications. This project will provide invaluable insight into day-to-day real-world battery-electric operational issues."

Through on-going technology improvements, such as the introduction of hybrid power, bus manufacturers have reduced their fleets' GHG emissions and production of criteria air contaminants - chemicals and airborne particulate that contribute to smog, poor air quality and acid rain.

Since the primary fuel source for transit buses remains conventional diesel fuel, GHG emissions remain high in the public transportation sector. New Flyer electric buses provide a solution, and Manitoba's power generation provides an opportunity to further the environmental benefits of this demonstration project.

Manitoba generates close to 98% of its electricity through renewable hydro-power. Using electricity generated from Manitoba's electricity grid, this demonstration project will result in higher than average GHG reductions for a similar project where electricity is generated using a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Most North American electrical grids receive power from a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Significant reductions are still expected when charging electric buses using a typical electricity grid.

For example, when compared with a hybrid bus, it is estimated that using an electric bus will reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by 90 tonnes. Electric buses may also significantly reduce operating costs and total life cycle costs when compared with diesel and hybrid buses.

Other members of the project consortium are: The Board of Governors of Red River College, Manitoba Hydro, Government of Manitoba, and The City of Winnipeg Transit.