BC Transit taking another step in battery electric bus testing

VICTORIA – BC Transit is taking another step in its process of evaluating battery electric bus technology by testing a zero-emission New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE(tm) heavy duty transit bus over the next two weeks. The test will provide a better understanding of the capabilities, range, and operational processes and requirements of another electric bus type.

The battery-electric bus, manufactured by New Flyer Canada ULC, is powered by a 480 kilowatt hour (kWh) battery, and is recharged at a charging station at the Langford Transit Centre. The bus weighs approximately 14,932 kg and can accommodate up to 82 passengers including two wheelchair positions. BC Transit will be testing the range as part of our work.

As the test of the New Flyer bus gets underway, BC Transit continues its six-month in-service trial of a BYD battery electric bus. The electric bus has been on a variety of routes in the Victoria Regional Transit System, and customers will have the chance to ride the bus until October. BC Transit is in discussions with various bus manufacturers to evaluate and test their battery electric buses to gain a better understanding of this new technology.

BC Transit is committed to sustainability, and will use the information gathered from testing of electric buses to help inform our planning for a zero-emission fleet.

For information, including schedules and routes in Greater Victoria, please visit bctransit.com/victoria or call 250-382-6161.

Media Contact:

Jonathon Dyck
Communications Manager
BC Transit
250-995-5720
media@bctransit.com