Island bus company looks to reduce carbon footprint; launches electric coach bus
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It looks like electric coach buses may be driving the future, reducing carbon emissions along the way.
Just in time for Earth Day, Vancouver Island-based Wilson’s Group has added a new electric bus to its fleet for the next few months.
Wilson’s runs both the Vancouver Island Connector and Tofino Bus, and says it’s excited to announce its “first step in their zero‐emissions fleet strategy with a new electric bus pilot project.”
In a new partnership formed with BYD Canada, a battery-powered electric bus manufacturer, the Model C8M highway coach made its debut today (Thursday).
The deal will see Wilson’s use a battery-powered Model C8M highway coach for the next three months on the route between Victoria and Nanaimo.
“It has always been our company’s plan to reduce our emissions and footprint, however, with the setback we have experienced through COVID, the high cost of replacing our fleet with electric vehicles seemed out of reach,” said Wilson’s chief executive John Wilson.
“This new partnership allows both companies to help do our part towards a sustainable future.”
The bus can accommodate 41 passengers, is powered by a 313-kWh battery and retails for $599,000, according to BYD Canada’s Ted Dowling.