BC Transit plans total electric fleet by 2040

BC Transit will only purchase electric heavy-duty buses starting in 2023 with the aim of transitioning the entire provincial fleet across all vehicle classifications to electric by 2040.  

In November 2018, BC Transit approved the Low Carbon Fleet Program, which aims to replace more than 1,200 existing buses and expand the fleet with an additional 350 buses through a 10-year fleet replacement strategy. The service provider says the low carbon program aligns with the province’s CleanBC plan, supports provincial targets for greenhouse gas emissions and supports local government climate action goals.

The first 10 battery heavy-duty electric buses will be deployed on BC Transit’s routes following news that the federal government of Canada and provincial government committed more than $79 million (US$60.44 million) to purchase new buses for use in Victoria and communities throughout the province.

"British Columbia’s largest and fastest-growing source of carbon pollution is the transportation sector,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Changing that trend will be a challenge, but it's also a tremendous opportunity. Many of the actions we need to take to reduce carbon emissions - such as encouraging people to choose transit over their personal vehicles and moving to a fully electric fleet - are the exact same measures that will get us out of gridlock and make our neighborhoods more liveable, now and for future generations."

Vice President of Asset Management Aaron Lamb said, “Transit can have its biggest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by getting people out of their vehicles and onto the bus. However, we also need to transition our infrastructure, including our buses, to reduce our environmental footprint. We are excited to be working with the province of BC and local government partners towards creating a more sustainable future.”

The roadmap to reach its goal of a fully electric provincial fleet was outlined on July 29 and includes four principles:

• Transitioning vehicles to electric propulsion based on the fleet replacement plan
• Bridging transition to electric with renewable fuels
• Using business cases to guide investment decisions
• Developing partnerships

BC Transit explains that to help the transition to a fully electric fleet, the plan is to start purchasing electric buses while converting to new and emerging low carbon technologies, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), which enable the use of renewable natural gas. BC Transit is introducing CNG buses and fueling infrastructure to Victoria and the Central Fraser Valley, which includes the addition of 34 medium duty and 68 heavy duty to the current fleet of 128 CNG buses.

“Through our CleanBC climate and economic plan, which is a shared priority with the BC Green Caucus, our government is making public transit clean, affordable and convenient for people by working together with local partners,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “BC Transit’s commitment to a fully electric fleet is an important step towards zero-emissions travel in B.C., and will mean cleaner air, less congestion and a more comfortable experience for people who choose transit.”