NFI receives new contract for up to 166 zero-emission buses from Manitoba’s Winnipeg Transit

NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, today announced that its subsidiary New Flyer Industries Canada ULC (“New Flyer”) has received new firm orders for 16 battery-electric and fuel cell-electric transit buses from Winnipeg Transit.

The contract also has options to be extended for up to four years to purchase up to 150 40-foot zero-emission buses (“ZEB”). In total, NFI will add up to 166 buses (or 174 Equivalent Units “EUs”) to its backlog from firm and option orders. The new five-year contract includes the following firm orders:

• Four Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ fuel cell-electric 40-foot, heavy-duty transit buses (4 EUs), and four Xcelsior CHARGE FC fuel cell-electric 60-foot transit buses (8 EUs), and
• Four Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ battery-electric 40-foot transit buses (4 EUs) and four Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric 60-foot transit buses (8 EUs).

Named one of Canada’s most efficient transit systems, Winnipeg Transit is the public transit agency serving Winnipeg, Manitoba, delivering more than 48 million passenger trips annually.

Through this purchase of ZEBs, Winnipeg Transit accelerates its transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet ahead of the 2050 target outlined in Winnipeg’s Climate Action Plan, delivering on a promise to realize the city’s sustainable future vision. Funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the high-performance ZEBs will be built on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior® platform and will deliver reduced greenhouse gas emissions and annual operating costs compared to diesel buses.

“We’re proud to extend our partnership with NFI to modernize our transit fleet and move toward zero emissions,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This purchase will also support local jobs and build Winnipeg’s reputation as a centre of excellence for transit manufacturing and sustainable transit technology.”

“NFI has led innovation in North American public transit for decades, and today we stand ready with our next generation zero-emission buses to help communities transition to no-emission mobility,” said Chris Stoddart, President, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “NFI’s partnership with Winnipeg Transit spans 35 years, and we have delivered more than 1,560 transit buses to Winnipeg Transit since 1987. We are now proudly enabling the agency’s transition to a low-carbon future through our efficient, long-range battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses for healthier Manitoba communities.”

New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE FC incorporates four distinct technology advancements, including a lighter, simpler, and more efficient heavy-duty fuel cell power module that is easier to service; recyclable, high-power batteries; a redesigned waterproof battery enclosure providing improved serviceability; and a high-grade electric drive traction system.

The Xcelsior CHARGE NG bus incorporates three distinct technology advancements, including high-energy batteries, advanced protective battery packaging for easy install and simpler serviceability, and innovative lightweight electric traction.

NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating or on order in more than 120 cities in six countries. NFI offers the widest range of zero-emission battery and fuel cell-electric buses and coaches, and its vehicles have completed over 85 million EV service miles.

Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through a four-pillar approach that includes buses and coaches, technology, infrastructure, and workforce development. NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (“VIC”), the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening in late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 350 interactive events, welcoming 7,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.