Highland Electric Fleets has unveiled plans to deploy 50 all-electric LionC school buses in Alberta, Canada. These buses are set to revolutionize school transportation, offering a cleaner and more efficient mode of commuting for students and school districts. This initiative, a part of Highland Electric Fleets’ commitment to making electric fleets accessible and affordable, has garnered attention and collaboration from Lion Electric, a prominent North American electric utility vehicle manufacturer, and third-party fleet manager, Rental Bus Lines Ltd.
Highland Electric Fleets specializes in Electrification-as-a-Service, catering to the needs of school districts, governments, and fleet operators across North America. This ambitious project, however, hinges on the satisfactory grant of non-repayable contributions from Infrastructure Canada’s Zero-Emission Transit Fund (“ZETF”). The success of this project could serve as a remarkable milestone in the transition towards eco-friendly transportation in the region.
Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Highland’s mission is to make electric fleets accessible and affordable for all, and we are pleased to partner with Lion and third-party fleet manager Rental Bus Lines Ltd to deploy electric school buses in Alberta.” The collaborative effort highlights a collective commitment to sustainable solutions in the transportation sector.
Lion Electric, a key player in the electric vehicle industry, has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Joliet, Illinois, USA. With an annual production capacity of up to 2,500 school buses, this facility is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of electrified school transportation. In a demonstration of their commitment to expansion and innovation, Lion Electric raised an impressive $142 million in July 2023, earmarked to fuel their growth in both Canada and the United States.
This electrifying partnership between Highland Electric Fleets, Lion Electric, and Rental Bus Lines Ltd showcases a promising future for sustainable transportation in Alberta, promising a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of school commuting. The outcome now depends on the approval of Infrastructure Canada’s Zero-Emission Transit Fund, underscoring the importance of government support in advancing the green transportation revolution.