One of Winnipeg Transit’s new 60-foot battery-electric buses, also known as articulated or “bendy” buses. (WINNIPEG.CA)
Winnipeg is set to become the first Canadian city to roll out 60-foot battery-electric buses, with the first entering limited service next week.
The buses, built by Winnipeg-based New Flyer, will initially operate during weekday peak hours before transitioning to full-time service after a 30-day trial.
“This is a big step toward a cleaner, more sustainable fleet, while continuing to balance affordability and reliability for riders,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said on Thursday.
By year-end, eight articulated zero-emission buses (ZEBs) will be in use as part of Winnipeg Transit’s push toward a cleaner fleet. The vehicles include both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell models, all undergoing testing to assess performance in local conditions.
The city’s first order was for 16 ZEBs, which have all arrived at Fort Rouge and Brandon Avenue garages. They include four 40-foot and four 60-foot fuel-cell battery-electric buses, as well as four 40-foot and four 60-foot battery-electric buses.
Data provided by the City of Winnipeg says each fuel-cell battery-electric bus (recharged with hydrogen) can drive for up to 24 hours, while the battery-electric bus (connected to a charger) can drive up to 10 to 15 hours.
The initiative comes with $280.3 million in federal funding, supporting the purchase of 90 electric buses and charging infrastructure. An additional 24 buses are expected in 2026.
