BC Transit to roll out fleet of electric buses in nine communities, Nelson on the list

A media release from BC Transit stated that it has ordered 66 new electric buses for nine communities throughout the province, including the City of Nelson.

Funded by both the provincial and federal governments, BC Transit says it anticipates the 66 new buses will arrive incrementally starting in early 2025.

The other eight communities set to receive a fleet of electric buses include Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and Whistler.

All nine of the chosen communities have transit electrification infrastructure projects underway, and BC Transit said allocation will be confirmed as each project progresses.

BC Transit also expects to install approximately 134 new electric bus charging stations throughout the nine communities over the next two years.

Director of electrification Chad Berndt says right now it’s too soon to determine just how many buses will be allotted for each region, but BC Transit should have an idea soon. 

“We have charging infrastructure programs that are advancing right now through the design process,” he says. “As those projects progress, we’ll be able to identify how many, and the exact timing, as to when buses are going into each community.” 

Berndt says the first buses are expected to start being rolled out next year and into 2026. 

“We expect the first buses to start arriving in early 2025,” he says. “And then be arriving in phases through into 2026.” 

He adds it’s critical to ensure there is enough supply which is why they’re collaborating with BC Hydro to make sure the grid can handle it. 

“The utility must be involved,” he says. “There’s power distribution equipment, and the charging units themselves and a dispenser.” 

Berndt estimates each bus will be able to travel up to 350 kilometres once they are fully charged, but the range could vary depending on the day. 

“The batteries are roughly 10 times the size of a car battery,” he says. “We expect, on average, they’ll be able to travel between 250 to 300 kilometres on a single charge throughout the year. 

“On good days they could get as high as 450 kilometres.” 

BC Transit says they’re expecting to procure 115 new battery electric buses with the funding. 

Last July, $395.5 million in funding was announced for buses and infrastructure projects, with contributions from the federal and provincial governments, as well as local government partners.

BC Transit added that the projects allow them to advance objectives to lower greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals outlined in the province’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,” said BC Transit’s Chief Executive Officer, Erinn Pinkerton.

“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.”

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