New cleaner, quieter electric buses are coming to Victoria!
BC Transit’s first series of electric buses and charging equipment will be coming to Victoria as part of the goal to transition to an entirely electric fleet by 2040.
The contract to build and deliver the first 10 heavy-duty electric buses to BC Transit has been finalized, with Proterra Operating Company named the successful proponent on May 16th after an almost two year process.
Proterra already has more than 800 vehicles on the road, making them the leader in the design and manufacturing of zero-emission electric transit vehicles and EV technology solutions for commercial use in delivery vehicles, construction equipment, school buses, coach buses and more.
According to BC Transit, electric buses are more efficient, quieter and have an overall lower operating cost.
This non-exclusive contract will enable BC Transit to advance the Low Carbon Fleet Program with the purchase of additional buses, chargers and supporting services, with a potential 500 heavy-duty buses expected to be replaced in the next 10 years.
The electric bus project is the first project under the new contract, coming in at $20 million.
In fall 2022, one electric bus will be deployed in Victoria, kicking off the new electric fleet!
In summer 2023, 10 built-to-order buses will follow.
The project’s cost is being shared between the Government of Canada and the Province of BC, who will each contribute 40 per cent each of eligible costs.
Federal funding for the buses, charging equipment, and the associated infrastructure project is provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
