The new electric bus order signals the transit agency is doubling down on its electrification plans after setback due to Proterra’s 2023 collapse

BC Transit is purchasing 66 new Nova Bus and New Flyer electric buses as part of its zero-emission fleet expansion.

The buses will go into service in nine communities across British Columbia: Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria and Whistler.

“Innovation in our public transit system helps us create a greener future for everyone,” says minister of transportation and infrastructure Rob Fleming in a news release.

“As we start to electrify our transit fleet more people will be able to make cleaner transportation choices affordably. The communities of B.C. will soon be seeing new electrical infrastructure for their transit needs.”

Quebec-based bus manufacturer Nova Bus will provide 33 LFSe+ 40-foot long-range buses. Meanwhile Winnipeg’s New Flyer will supply 33 Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot battery electric transit buses.

The buses will arrive gradually, starting in early 2025. The order will be complete by mid-2026. In the next two years, BC Transit will install 134 new electric bus charging points to support the electric fleet.

BC Transit will confirm the bus allocations to each community as the project progresses.

Followup to the Proterra setback

The purchase news comes just a few months after BC Transit lost an initial order for 10 electric buses from the now-bankrupt bus manufacturer Proterra.

In 2023, Proterra filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its transit business was subsequently purchased by Phoenix Motors. A subsequent court decision found that there were no contractual obligations between BC Transit and Phoenix. 

“As a result, BC Transit did not receive its first 10 electric buses from Phoenix Motors. BC Transit also did not provide any payment for the buses in question, as was consistent with the payment milestones of the contract,” says BC Transit in a statement to Electric Autonomy.

To procure the latest round of electric buses, Nova Bus and New Flyer “submitted detailed proposals through the Request for Supplier Qualification and these proposals were evaluated following public procurement processes,” says BC Transit.

More electric buses to come

More orders are also on tap. By the end of 2026, BC Transit aims to integrate 115 battery-electric buses into its transit fleet.

An investment totalling $395.5 million from the government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is supporting the plan. As well, there are additional contributions from the province and local government partners.

BC Transit has been committed to its electrification plans since the launch of its Low Carbon Fleet Program in 2019. The program’s objective is to strategically replace buses with models equipped with greenhouse gas (GHG) reducing technology.

BC Transit’s electrification plans align closely with the GHG reduction targets outlined in the B.C. government’s CleanBC roadmap.  

“Electrification of our fleet is a significant part of our plan to reduce GHG emissions and ensure a cleaner and healthier future for everyone,” says Erinn Pinkerton, president and chief executive officer for BC Transit.

“With other active procurements underway and work advancing on charging infrastructure designs in communities, it’s an exciting time for BC Transit and our partners.”