TransLink unveils new battery-electric buses
Posted February 3, 2023 12:46 pm.
Last Updated February 3, 2023 4:46 pm.
TransLink has unveiled the first of 15 new battery-electric buses, which the transportation authority says will save over 1,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses per year.
The Nova LFSe+ Electric buses were revealed Thursday, and TransLink says they will soon more than quadruple the group’s battery-electric bus fleet.
“Once in service, these 15 new buses will fully electrify route 100,” TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn said.
The route runs from 22nd Street Station and the Marpole Loop, and the buses are set to be in service by next year.
TransLink adds that over the coming months, more battery-electric buses will be ordered along with the needed charging infrastructure so the buses can be used for more routes.
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“Electrifying our bus fleet and moving to renewable fuels are the fastest ways TransLink can reduce GHG emissions to help combat climate change. Taking transit is already one of the best ways people can reduce their carbon footprint, but through electrification and the actions outlined in our Climate Action Strategy, we’re working to reduce our impact on the climate to zero,” he said.
Quinn says each bus can travel a long distance without needing to be charged, and when they do run out of power, it can be replenished quickly.
“[The buses] can travel over 150 kilometers on a single charge, and can charge for the next trip in approximately five minutes while customers board it.”
TransLink says the electric buses will also save about $40,000 in fuel costs per year, adding the buses come at a $16 million investment.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming says this is an important step in transportation.
“Battery-electric buses are an important part of the future of public transportation. TransLink’s battery-electric bus fleet will provide more sustainable transit options and will help reach our government’s emissions reductions targets set out in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.”
With files from OMNI News
