Milton Transit to run Canada’s first diesel to electric power converted bus
The town of Milton, Ontario, will become the first municipality in Canada to pilot a mid-life diesel-to-battery-electric power conversion of a transit bus. Milton Transit will collaborate with a local firm, MTB Transit Solutions, on the project.
The project will explore “a speedy, affordable path to electrification” using MTB’s ZEV Clean Power that was developed with support from the National Research Council of Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program, Innovative Vehicle Institute and several post-secondary institutions. MTB will work for six months to convert a conventional 12-meter (40-foot) Milton Transit bus to batter power.
“Exploring transit electrification represents Milton’s focus on making our community more attractive and competitive. This exciting partnership will help us learn about ways to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz.
The bus will have its diesel components removed, including the diesel engine, transmission, steering, HVAC, air compressor, radiators system and fuel tanks. Then, the vehicle will be repowered using ZEV Clean Power components that include an electric motor, EHVAC, electric steering, electric air compressor, auxiliary coolant heater and battery packs and cooling.
“The transit industry around the world is starting to shift from diesel propulsion to cleaner sources of energy. We are thrilled to work with the town of Milton on this Canadian first and to demonstrate how transit systems can reduce their greenhouse gases,” said MTB Transit Solutions President Gara Hay.
Milton Transit is evaluating a transition to zero-emission vehicles, and the pilot will help the agency explore this transition by providing useful details on charging, maintenance, performance, cost, servicing and mitigating reliance on fossil fuels.
In Canada, transportation accounts for one quarter of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Each Milton Transit bus averages about 72,000 km (44,738 miles) a year, and the agency estimates the conversion could save about 51,260 kg (56.5 short tons) of diesel emissions over six years. The pilot conversion project supports the town’s goals of sustainability.
The newly converted electric bus is expected to enter service in early 2024 and is anticipated to cost C$882,000 (US$656,000), which includes conversion and delivery of the vehicle, all vehicle components, charging infrastructure, warranty and training.
“As we embrace sustainability, we want to make evidence-informed decisions that will yield results over the long term. This pilot will help us learn about diesel-to-electric bus conversion technology and make the best decisions in our move toward an electric transit fleet,” said Milton Commissioner of Community Service Kristene Scott.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
