Nova Bus, a transit bus manufacturer in North America and a member of the Volvo Group, has secured a contract to supply five LFSe+ electric buses to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). The LFSe+ is a 40-foot long-range battery electric bus model that will be assembled at the Nova Bus facility in Plattsburgh, New York State. These buses will be part of Metro’s Battery-Electric Bus Test and Evaluation program, a critical milestone towards achieving Metro’s zero-emission bus goals.
The program aims to phase out Metro’s fleet of over 1,500 buses to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2045, with an interim goal of all new buses entering service being zero-emission by 2030. The five LFSe+ electric buses will help Metro collect data and build knowledge on electric bus operations, which will inform the scaling of its transition plan.
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The Nova Bus LFSe+ electric bus features an electric drive motor coupled with BAE Systems’ next-generation power electronics that prioritize efficiency. This design results in reduced maintenance costs and eliminates all emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, thereby improving air quality. The LFSe+ is the perfect pairing of Nova Bus’ proven expertise with the latest innovations in clean and sustainable technologies, making it an ideal solution for the transition to sustainable public transport.
Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, stated that every order for the Nova Bus LFSe+ is a significant strategic victory, indicating the quality and performance of the innovative vehicle in yet another major metropolitan area. The fact that these buses will be crafted by the Plattsburgh, New York workforce and seen on the streets of the nation’s capital is especially gratifying. He added that this is another step towards a bright future for the region’s transportation equipment makers.
Ralph Acs, President of Nova Bus, expressed excitement that Metro will integrate the LFSe+ into its electric bus pilot program. He also mentioned that he was delighted that these buses will operate in federal Opportunity Zones, as low-income communities will benefit the most from this transition to clean, quiet, and reliable electric buses. Nova Bus is looking forward to working with the team at Metro to support the agency’s successful transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.
