The Société de transport de Laval (STL) will launch Quebec’s first fully electric bus line in 2020 using battery-electric buses with a range of 250 km (155.3 miles). The first of those buses was unveiled at an event on Aug. 15 and will be used for testing and validation ahead of the bus line’s opening.
"The addition of this all-electric bus to the STL network perfectly embodies the essential shift in direction that we must make in Québec. I am therefore very pleased to be taking part in today's inauguration, and I hope this initiative will have a ripple effect on other transit authorities in Québec," said Québec Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Estrie Region François Bonnardel.
The bus line will consist of 10 Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses from New Flyer and STL will utilize overnight depot charging. Fleet procurement was made possible by a combined C$9.6 million (US$7.21 million) in federal and provincial funding. STL has committed to buy only electric buses beginning in 2024.
“Now more than ever, we must do our best to preserve our environment and build sustainable transportation. New Flyer is pleased to support STL and commends its leadership in the evolution to zero-emission mobility, building cities with greater livability, and improving quality of life,” said New Flyer President Chris Stoddart. “We are delighted to partner with STL and provide buses, infrastructure solutions and technology that features Canadian intellectual property in motion and leverages over 50 years of New Flyer experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses.”
STL explains that the electric bus will offer riders a smoother and quieter ride, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 to 80 metric tons annually.
"This public-transit vehicle of the future is great for the environment, first of all, and second, it will make for a more enjoyable user experience, since it's quieter. Electric buses are clearly part of our future vision in Laval," said Laval Mayor Marc Demers.
