Quebec-based bus startup Letenda Inc. has unveiled the first of its zero-emissions transit buses designed specifically for electric propulsion and winter conditions in Canada. The Electrip city bus is the result of six years of research, engineering, and development.

“This achievement was made possible with the help of an experienced team including world leaders in electric vehicle technologies and Quebec manufacturers to develop and market an innovative bus,” said Nicolas Letendre, President and CEO of Letenda. “The Electrip is perfectly suited for transportation companies wishing to reduce their environmental impact and optimize their operations while moving towards sustainable mobility. Our product is complementary to the existing electric vehicle offer for public transit due to its size and innovative design.”

Letenda was founded in 2016 around the values of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. Among Electrip’s innovations, according to the company, are superior energy efficiency, a unique geometry specially developed for electric propulsion, and a manufacturing concept inspired by the aeronautics industry.

The company says that the geometry of the ultra-lightweight, long-range, 9-m (30-ft) intermediate bus, pushing the wheels and powertrain to the ends of the vehicle, ensures comfort and maneuverability. The vehicle’s modular structure is made mainly of aluminum.

Rear-axle steering significantly increases the vehicle’s maneuverability. The system can steer the rear wheels in the opposite direction to that of the front wheels, for a tight turning circle, and in the same direction, to make curb approaches easier to navigate.

High energy efficiency is especially important for the performance of an EV, especially in winter conditions. That’s why the Electrip is equipped with the latest energy-management and -saving technology including thermal insulation and electrically heated front windows and radiant heat flooring.

The company expects primary applications to be for public transport, airport and university shuttles, and for paratransit. Depending on the configuration, the full low floor throughout the passenger area can accommodate up to 45 people including 24 seated passengers and up to six wheelchairs. It is also designed to facilitate the integration of the latest intelligent and autonomous vehicle technologies.

The business project was made possible with the financial support of private investors and the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec, the Ministère de l’Énergie et de Ressources naturelles du Québec, and the National Research Council of Canada. It is meant to be a great example of how innovation, ingenuity, and collaboration can drive the economy and support a real transition to a greener, more sustainable future for all Canadians, said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“With the launch of its zero-emission city bus, Letenda is demonstrating that Quebec has all the expertise needed to excel in the commercial electric transportation sector,” added Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development. “It is with such achievements that we will be able to build a successful ecosystem in the battery, commercial electric vehicle, battery recycling, and green energy sectors.”

“Increasing the number of electrically powered transit buses on our roads is a clear objective of our government regarding the green economy,” added François Bonnardel, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Estrie region. “In fact, the road transportation sector alone accounts for nearly 35% of greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec. In order to reduce these emissions, one of the targets is that 55% of city buses should be electric by 2030.”

Letenda’s development ecosystem includes major partner Rio Tinto as well as Quebec partners Constructions Proco, Simplex Tool Rental, Promotion Saguenay, La Société de la Vallée de L’aluminium, Développement économique Longueuil, ACET Banque Nationale, and Hydro-Québec.

“Rio Tinto is proud to have supported Letenda from the very beginning in the development of a new generation of zero-emission aluminum city buses that will help reduce the environmental footprint of public transit in Quebec,” said Sébastien Ross, Executive Director of Atlantic Operations for Rio Tinto Aluminium. The company encouraged networking with regional partners to maximize the economic benefits in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Canada.

Cummins Inc. is an honorary extension of the Canadian effort, appropriate since Letenda plans to commercialize its zero-emissions transit bus in the U.S. too. In October it was announced that Cummins was providing the complete electrified powertrain of the bus, a demonstrator at the time, including the powertrain controls, batteries, propulsion motor, power electronics, charging controls, and connectivity systems.

“Letenda has completely designed their bus from the wheels up for electrification, which is exciting for us and for our customers,” said Amy Davis, President of New Power at Cummins. “This demonstration expands Cummins battery-electric solutions to smaller transit bus applications which can help communities meet sustainability targets.”

The Electrip uses three battery packs with Cummins NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) lithium-ion modules providing 222- to 296-kWh capacity. Charging time is 2 h at 150 kW DC. The battery-electric system features an integrated battery management system, liquid cooling, and remote diagnostics through over-the-air connectivity.