All-Electric Bus Sales in Canada

Electric buses and the canadian landscape

Canadians are known for being tough-as-nails. We experience the challenges of living and working in weather extremes. Our equipment needs to be up to the task of working in such a diverse climate. As electric vehicles become more common, it’s worth examining an electric bus’s suitability for this landscape. 

Batteries perform best when kept near room temperature; too cold or too hot may result in degradation. Anyone who owns an electric car can attest their battery life isn’t the same in the winter as on a day with moderate temperatures. With this in mind, researchers are continually working to develop batteries that can overcome these challenges and improve battery performance in all conditions. In general, an electric school bus in a moderate climate will outperform one in a harsh climate.

One of the operational challenges faced is controlling the bus’s interior temperature using only the power of the battery. In this scenario, a battery drains quicker when heating or cooling the cabin interior. To supplement cabin warming, some manufacturers will add a diesel-powered heater. For the purist, this defeats the purpose of embracing an electric vehicle. 

There is anticipation that battery technology will continue to advance. Expect improvements as large-scale electric batteries technologies continue to develop. It’s ‘electrifying’ to watch as barriers continue to be broken.

designed by the best

As a regional Canadian dealer, The Bus Centre currently offers Thomas Built Buses’ electric bus, aptly named ‘Jouley’. Without a doubt, this is “top of the line” in the electric bus industry and is ideal for short and mid-range applications.

Jouley is a full sized conventional C2 bus with a 2-speed transmission and 295 peak horsepower. It is available in both conventional school and white commercial units. As well, it is the only truly zero-emission school bus on the market.

Tell me more about Thomas Built Buses

Thomas Built Buses is a subsidiary of Daimler AG, one of the world’s largest automotive companies. This association has allowed them to benefit from Daimler’s global resources and expertise. It’s clear Thomas is committed to the product and is continually working to advance it. It’s successful adoption in various municipalities attests that Jouley is the step forward we’ve been looking for.

With any product purchased, you want to know that the manufacturer stands behind their offerings. Daimler has the most extensive parts and service for EV’s in North America. This top-in-class transportation leader can be counted on to be in the market for years to come. That’s why Jouley comes with a market leading battery warranty. That’s on top of the comprehensive standard warranty that’s always been offered.

Electric School Bus Considerations

It’s important to know that the purchase price fits the budget so it’s logical to check the bus price tag. However, there are additional factors to consider in the EV bus equation. Without subsidies, an electric school bus is more expensive than it’s diesel counterpart. In addition, this purchase must include planning for fueling infrastructure purchase costs and installation, not just the cost of the bus alone. A site assessment should be done before costs can be fully determined.

What assessments do I make when buying an electric bus?

Things to consider include:

• Battery size – the bigger it is, the further you’ll go on a charge
• Charging capacity –  choosing the right charger affects charging efficiency. You’ll need one charger per bus.
• Charging Infrastructure – consider charger location, accessibility and grid connection
• Power Grid – engage with your utility provider for an assessment of your energy requirements
• Warranty – consider extended warranty purchase for worry-free long-term usage
• Servicing – basic training is required to perform non-high voltage work. All other maintenance must be done by trained technicians
• Maintenance – No fuel, oil, lubricants, belts or after treatment components to maintain

Additional battery Assessments

Achievable mileage, length of time to charge and charger technology are all considerations when opting to purchase an electric bus. Understanding battery technology is critical to the operation of an electric vehicle.

Aren’t all batteries the same?

Each battery has a true usable range that differs from it’s noted capacity. A battery should never be fully charged, nor fully drained to safeguard it from unnecessary degradation. Consider these battery topics:

• DC or AC charging – AC chargers are less expensive but DC chargers are smarter and faster
• Battery capacity – usable amount of battery is less than capacity – this is by design
• Length of time to charge – fully draining the battery results in longer charge times
• Unmanaged charging (AC) vs Managed charging (DC)
• Cabin Heating/cooling – battery based or diesel add-on
• Range considerations – weather, urban/rural, stop frequency, road conditions, terrain
• Battery longevity – avoid operating at high and low state of charge

It’s important to understand the keys elements surrounding electric vehicle batteries to make an informed decision. We’d like to assist you to evaluate the options. When you reach out to us at The Bus Centre, you are choosing knowledgeable individuals who know the market and understand the school bus industry.

Choosing An electric School Bus

As the planet turns toward more earth-friendly and sustainable options, electric vehicles are the undeniable wave of the future. There are, in fact, several advantages to making the switch to an electric school bus.

Safety – All the safety features that have been incorporated in traditional school buses are also in the electric version. Electrical bus construction includes specialized compartments to safely house the battery. The lack of engine noise lends to quieter operation, making it easier for the driver to be attentive to cabin activity.  

High Performance – Electrical vehicles have increased horsepower and acceleration capabilities. This can be a game changer for driving in Canadian road conditions involving deep snow or soft backroads.

Lower Maintenance – An electric bus has a simpler overall vehicle design which results in fewer mechanical failures. With a simpler power system and fewer moving parts, you can spend more time on the road and less in the shop. 

Zero Emission – Designed for a sustainable environment, an all-electric bus is the perfect fit for a greener world. It’s emissions-free, noise pollution-free and fossil-fuel free. 

Cost Savings – While the original infrastructure costs are high, electrical on-site charging is significantly more economical than the cost of traditional fossil fuels. These savings multiply over the life of a twice-daily bus route. Add in the convenience of overnight charging and the ability to refill between runs. 

Forward Thinking

Electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and the public is increasingly recognizing the switch to electric vehicles as good practice. As electric innovation continues, expect further advances which will improve cost savings and extend driving ranges.

Electric vehicles are a great transportation choice when paired with the right operating region. In milder Canadian locales, they can be a sensible choice. 

We’re Your knowledge Centre

We live in a complex world and it takes significant innovation to creatively solve the problems we encounter. Electric school buses are another positive strategy that will impact our kids and our environment.

If you’re considering an electric bus for your fleet, we’re happy to provide the data you need to support your decision making. Call our sales team for more information.