Buses
An Electric Bus for Earth Day

An Electric Bus for Earth Day

Victoria based Wilson Transportation Group is marking Earth Day by commencing electric bus service on its key Nanaimo – Victoria route. 

The BYD Canada Model C8M highway coach entering service today for a three month test is the company’s first step in its zero-emission fleet strategy.  The vehicle has a 41 person passenger capacity and offers 97-per cent reduction in emissions compared to similar mass transit vehicles.

A planned charging station in Nanaimo will eventually expand the range of electric bus operations as an additional goal of the trial program is to expand the partnership between Wilson’s and BYD Canada.

John Wilson, Wilson’s Group president and CEO, said, “It has always been our company’s plan to reduce our emissions and carbon footprint; however, with the setback we have experienced through COVID, the high cost of replacing our fleet with electric vehicles seemed out of reach. This new partnership allows both companies to reach a sustainable future.”

Ted Dowling of BYD Canada, described the company’s battery electric buses as the most efficient and cost-effective solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and assisting tour bus operators to a green recovery.