New battery-electric buses charge into Saskatoon Transit fleet

Saskatoon Transit is excited to announce the addition of two new Nova LFSe+ battery-electric buses to its public transit fleet, the first in Saskatchewan. This marks a significant milestone in the City of Saskatoon’s commitment to sustainable public transportation and environmental leadership.

Saskatoon Transit piloted a battery-electric bus over a 12-month period beginning in July 2020. This pilot project aimed to evaluate the performance and feasibility of battery-electric buses in Saskatoon’s climate, providing key data to inform future investments in battery-electric buses.

Building on the pilot project's success, City Council approved an initial investment in battery-electric buses in December 2021 as part of the broader $115.4 million revised 2023-2031 fleet renewal strategy.

“This is an exciting step toward building a transit fleet that meets current and future ridership demands and our long-term sustainability goals,” says Michael Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

Transitioning to battery-electric buses is progress towards meeting the City’s targets outlined in the Low Emissions Community Plan and Climate Action Plan, which include target emission reductions of 55,000 tonnes CO₂e by 2050 and an increase in transit trips of 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2050.

"Access to safe and efficient public transportation is an effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and these battery-electric buses are an example of how we can reach environmental targets and provide a cleaner option for Saskatoon,” Moellenbeck says.

Watch for a new battery-electric bus on a nearby route. Experience the benefits firsthand as Saskatoon Transit drives towards a greener, more efficient public transportation network.

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca.