July 1, 2024 Sustainable Transit on the Move

Volume 27 | Issue 2

Nova Bus, member of the Volvo Group, is a leading provider of sustainable transportation solutions in North America.

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A city’s transportation network is a kind of cardiovascular system through which people flow; increas­ingly, the heart of that system is a Nova Bus battery electric bus.

Nova Bus is a Canadian manufacturer of environmentally-friendly battery electric buses and intelligent transportation systems. A sub­sidiary of the Volvo Group based in Saint- Eustache, Quebec, Nova Bus has a long history in public bus manufacturing dating back to its origins in 1979 as a division of General Motors. Fast forward to today’s pressing need for effi­cient, reliable, and sustainable transit solutions in light of climate change, Nova Bus LFS models are available in different powertrains including hybrid, natural gas, and electric. The company’s ability to help public transportation systems attain their sustainable transit goals are represented by a number of significant contract awards in 2024 for the LFSe+ 40-foot long-range battery electric bus.

Key features of the Nova LFS platform include:

• Safety. Stainless steel structure is highly resis­tant to fatigue and impact. Exceed standards for APTA White Book crashworthiness require­ments. Smart Safety features reduce frequen­cy of accidents. Side impact barriers protect passenger safety in the event of a side or rear collision. Extra-large driver’s window enhances passenger safety in the event of a side or rear collision. Extra-large driver’s window enhances operator visibility.
• Reliability. Designed and built to operate in the harshest environments. Many Nova Bus LFS models are operating well-beyond a 12-year service life.
• Maintainability. Easy access to all component parts for repairs or replacement. Nova eCooling system reduces engine cleaning requirements.

In addition, the LFSe battery electric model offers the most efficient electromobility transit solution:

• Zero emissions.
• Silent operation for a quieter and healthier transit experience.
• Modular battery options capable of storing up to 564 kilowatt hours of on-board energy for long distance routes.
• Dual charging flexibility. Less than 3.25 hours for a full charge using either overhead or plug-in options.
• Proven HDS200 motor from BAE Systems. The lower weight and increased power density of the BAE Systems technology also contribute to bus performance and durability.
• Seats up to 41; standing capacity up to 27.

New Contract Awards

This May, Nova Bus was awarded a contract for 33 LFSe buses to join the zero emissions fleet of BC Transit in British Columbia and support its bus replacement strategy to all- electric and comply with the province’s green­house gas (GHG) reduction targets.

Bow Valley Regional Transit Services (BVRTSC) in Banff, Alberta ordered its first three LFSe buses last April. This order was made possible through the Federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), in addition to another contract for three Nova Bus hybrid electric buses, supported by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

“We are delighted to be introducing Nova Bus LFSe+ battery electric buses into our fleet. As we operate Roam Transit services within and around Banff National Park, environ­mental stewardship is paramount. Embracing advanced technologies to reduce emissions underscores our commitment to sustainable transit. Adding more electric buses marks a pivotal moment in our transition journey, furthering our partnership with Nova Bus and advancing towards a greener future,” said Martin Bean, CEO of Roam Transit in a public relations announcement of the contract award.

Brampton, Ontario signed a contract in March with Nova Bus for ten LFSe buses sched­uled for delivery next year. The acquisition is an important milestone in Brampton’s electrifi­cation plans in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and is in line with the Government of Canada’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

In January, Nova Bus was awarded a 5-year contract with Regina, Saskatchewan to deliv­er up to 53 LFSe buses. The first seven are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with options for the remaining 46. “These will be the first battery-electric buses in Regina Transit’s fleet,” said Brad Bells, Director of Transit  & Fleet, in a public relations announcement of the contract. “The addition of these electric buses will support the City of Regina’s goal of becoming a 100% renewable city by 2050 and is in line with our Energy and Sustainability Framework.”

Just as internal combustion engine vehicles displaced the horse and buggy, electric vehi­cles are beginning to live up to the promise of zero emission transportation. As the market grows for electromobility solutions, Nova Bus is pulling ahead.

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