Why Electric Buses
Council approved the ordering of seven electric buses for delivery in early 2025. A further 13 will arrive by Q2 2026, bringing the number of electric buses to 20 by the end of that year. The purchase of electric buses is in alignment with both the Regina Transit Master Plan and Energy and Sustainability Framework and will reduce Regina Transit’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent.
FAQ
What kind of electric buses has the City of Regina ordered?
Regina Transit is purchasing up to 20, 40’ LFSe+ Novabus BEB (Battery Electric Buses). LFSe+ means Low Floor Series Extended Range Electric Transit Bus.
Has the technology been tested in Canadian cities? What were the results?
- A similar technology - BAE Systems’ electric propulsion technology (LFSE+ Electric Propulsion System) - has been operating in Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) buses since 2006. Toronto currently has more than 1000 hybrid-electric buses with this technology in their fleet.
- This type of technology makes it easier for transit agencies to transition to all-electric operations. The system also requires fewer components and connections, which reduces maintenance costs and maximizes fleet productivity.
- In 2021, Société de transport de Laval procured 10 BEBs from Winnipeg based manufacturer New Flyer Industries to be used in their all-electric bus line.
- In 2015, Société de transport de Montréal purchased the first BEB built in the St Eustache plant and placed three Novabus LFSEs into service in 2016. This is the precursor to the LFSE+ BEB that Regina Transit will be purchasing.
- Société de transport de Laval purchased their BEBs in 2012 and have only purchased Hybrid Electric Buses since 2014. In 2023, they announced the purchase of up to 1,229 BEBs from Novabus as part of a province-wide agreement between 10 Québec transit agencies.
- Novabus has delivered BEBs to Coast Mountain, Guelph, GRT Quebec, Halifax, Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Houston. They are currently building BEB orders for the TTC, Association du transport urbain du Québec (ATUQ), Saskatoon, Regina, Durham Region Transit (DRT), Oakville, Brampton, and others. Novabus currently has approximately 1000 buses under production order.
- Novabus is utilizing the same core components in their BEBs as they do in their Hybrid-Electric Buses. This allows for a proven and dependable drive system to be utilized and maintains continuity between conventional and BEB fleets.
The City of Edmonton is experiencing problems with their electric fleet and the company that produced them. Could that happen in Regina?
- The Edmonton Transit System purchased electric buses from Proterra, a company that builds out of South Carolina. Regina Transit’s electric buses are being purchased from an entirely different company, Novabus, which has a long history of success in Canadian cities. Novabus is a Subsidiary of The Volvo Group, established in 1993 in St Eustache, Québec.
- Novabus was built around the former General Motors, and later Motor Coach Industries (MCI) transit bus plant in St Eustache, QC. Novabus has been a fixture of North American transit bus manufacturing since 1993.
How has the City been preparing for these new buses?
The City applied for funding through the federal government’s Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). The total project cost is $52.2 million with the federal government covering 50 per cent of the infrastructure and bus costs. In addition to the EV bus purchases, the existing Transit Operations facility where the buses are stored and maintained will be upgraded with charging and service capabilities for roughly 60 buses.
What is the range of the electric buses?
The buses can travel approximately 340 km before needing to recharge. Charging will be done overnight in the Transit maintenance facility. In extreme cold, the range can be reduced by up to 40 per cent (200 km), but 60 per cent of Regina Transit’s daily routes are under 200 km, so the City anticipates using these buses year-round.
What is the cost of a diesel bus versus an electric bus?
Current costs for a diesel bus are $650,000 and a fully electric bus is $1.3 million. Hybrid buses are approximately $1 million. This move to electrification of the transit fleet is part of the Energy and Sustainability Framework, which outlines the shifts necessary to become a net-zero City by 2050.
What are the expected fuel savings for these electric buses?
At current fuel prices, Regina Transit anticipates fuel savings of over $32,000 annually for each electric bus.
What are the expected electricity costs for charging electric buses?
Regina Transit estimates that each electric bus will cost approximately $9,500 annually in electricity for charging.
When will the infrastructure and buses be in place?
The first buses will be operational in early 2025, with initial charging infrastructure in place by this time. The remaining charging infrastructure will be installed and operational for the second order of buses. The following is a breakdown of EV bus purchases:
- 2024 – Order 7 electric buses, receive in Q2 2025
- 2024 – Order 13 electric buses, receive in Q2 2026
When will the public see electric buses in the city?
The first electric buses will be delivered in early 2025. At the same time, work to install the facility charging stations will be completed. The City anticipates the electric buses will be operational shortly after delivery.
Are these buses replacing buses we already have?
These buses will replace buses that have come to the end of their useful life. Typically, buses are replaced after 17 years of service.
Are EV buses expected to have the same lifespan (17 years) as diesel engine buses?
Yes, the City anticipates electric buses to have a similar lifespan to diesel buses, around 17 years.
What routes will these buses be on when they arrive?
The buses will be used on a variety of routes throughout the city.
Will bus fares go up to pay for the new buses? How are they being paid for?
- No, bus fares won’t need to increase to pay for the electric buses.
- The City of Regina has been approved to receive $26 million in funding through the federal government’s Permanent Public Transit Program – Zero Emissions Transit Fund. This funding will cover 50 per cent of the purchase cost of 20 electric buses along with the first phase of transit fleet facility upgrades to accommodate electric vehicle charging.
- Regina City Council is considering changes to the Transit Fare Bylaw which are aimed at keeping fares affordable, consistent and fair. Transit capping, in particular, will benefit transit riders.
