What’s Happening: Nova Bus, a leading North American transit bus manufacturer and a member of the Volvo Group, has been awarded a contract for five LFSe+ long-range battery electric buses by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). These buses will be assembled at Nova Bus’ facility in Plattsburgh, New York State, and will become part of Metro’s Battery-Electric Bus Test and Evaluation program.
Why It Matters: This electric bus pilot program marks a significant step towards Metro’s goal of transitioning to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2045. The five Nova Bus LFSe+ vehicles will help Metro collect data and build knowledge on electric bus operations, informing the scaling of its transition plan. Metro aims for all new buses entering service to be zero-emission by 2030.
Key Points:
- Nova Bus LFSe+ long-range electric buses are equipped with an electric drive motor and BAE Systems’ next-generation power electronics, focused on efficiency.
- The LFSe+ reduces maintenance costs and improves air quality by eliminating emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- The electric buses will operate in federal Opportunity Zones, benefiting low-income communities with clean, quiet, and reliable public transport.
Bottom Line: The contract awarded to Nova Bus demonstrates the performance and quality of the LFSe+ electric bus and supports Metro’s commitment to transitioning to a zero-emission fleet. The inclusion of the electric buses in the pilot program will provide valuable data and insights to inform Metro’s future scaling efforts. Moreover, the use of these buses in federal Opportunity Zones will benefit low-income communities by providing a cleaner and quieter public transportation option.
