Nova Bus, a subsidiary of Volvo Buses and the leading North American transit bus manufacturer, has been awarded a contract for 15 LFSe+, Nova Bus’ long range electric buses, by TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transportation network.
TransLink will be adding these new units to its two LFSe vehicles delivered in 2019 as part of the Canadian Consortium for Urban Transportation Research and Innovation (CUTRIC) Canada-wide Interchangeability Project, totalling their fleet to 17 Nova Bus electric vehicles. These long-range battery-electric buses can travel between 340 to 470 km on a single charge.
“Canada needs to be at the front of the trillion-dollar global clean tech economy, and our zero- emission bus makers like Quebec’s Nova Bus can help lead the charge,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure & Communities. “We’re committed to helping put 5,000 new zero-emission public transit and school buses in Canadian communities over the next five years, and every new contract moves us toward that goal. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates good jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities for a net-zero emissions future.”
“It is a great pride for Quebec to see Nova Bus’ electric buses gaining ground in Canada. I have often said: the electrification of transportation is fundamental for the future of public transit. We are counting on the leadership and expertise of Nova Bus to make Quebec one of the North American leaders in this field and we will help it if necessary,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s Minister of Economy and Innovation.
“We are proud to continue supporting TransLink with our newest fully electric, high quality transit buses that deliver a safe, clean, and reliable ridership experience,” said Martin Larose, Vice President and General Manager of Nova Bus. “As more cities demand reduced GHG emissions and greater sustainability, we are meeting that need with our LFSe+, the perfect pairing of our proven expertise with the latest innovations in clean and sustainable technologies.”
TransLink already has one of the biggest electric trolleybus networks in North America, with 262 trolleybuses in service, and a SkyTrain network operating entirely on electricity. It’s exciting to be able to build on our success and move into a more sustainable era for public transit in Metro Vancouver,” said Kevin Desmond, TransLink CEO.
Built on the proven Nova Bus LFS platform, whose safety track record of more than twenty years, this ground-breaking bus is designed to be just as reliable. In fact, the Nova Bus LFSe, on which the new LFSe+ is modeled, was the first electric bus in the industry to receive a passing score for a full test at Altoona in June 2018. The new LFSe+ integrates the proven traction motor and power electronics which uses advanced materials such as silicon carbide to improve heat management. The lower weight and increased power density contributes to bus performance and durability. Powered by an integrated modular system, the electric motor significantly decreases maintenance costs and emits no greenhouse gas emissions.
