TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), a nonprofit organization that spearheads, designs, and launches technology and commercialization projects that aim to make Canada a global leader in low-carbon smart mobility, releases the fourth edition of its Canadian ZEB Database™. This latest edition focuses on the progress and potential of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) across Canada, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly transit systems.
The report reveals a detailed analysis of the challenges facing Canada’s provinces as they strive to embrace sustainable transit solutions. From varying infrastructure needs to regulatory hurdles, each region faces unique obstacles in transitioning to zero-emission buses. Despite these challenges, the report showcases significant progress made in key areas, underscoring the commitment of many regions and transit agencies toward a greener future.
“Canada is waking up to electrification and it’s clearly taking hold across the cities and transit agencies across the country,” said Dr. Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of CUTRIC.
“However, it is also clear that inflation is taking a toll – the actual number of zero emissions buses moving forward to procurement has dropped compared to 2023. Today’s dollar buys fewer electric buses and chargers than it did last year.”
"Industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and advocates must champion zero-emission transit solutions, focusing on areas that require more targeted action. CUTRIC and the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) are dedicated to driving positive change and creating a future where sustainable mobility is not just an aspiration but a reality for all Canadians."
Key Findings:
- As of January 31, 2024, the count of zero emissions buses (ZEBs) stands at 4,945 across the six stages of transitioning (“Pronouncement” to “In-service” deployment), marking an eight percent decrease from Report #3 in 2023.
- Among these, battery electric buses (BEBs) make up 4,845, while fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) make up 100.
- There is a decrease in the number of BEBs in five provinces/territories, an increase of BEBs in three provinces/territories, stagnation in three provinces/territories, while three provinces/ territories have no zero-emissions transitioning plans.
- There is a decrease in the number of ZEBs in the initial stages from pronouncement to funding, while there is an increase in the later stages from procurement to in-service.
- Transit agencies cite challenges in adopting ZEBs such as high procurement costs, poor bus performance, limited workforce capacity and capacity restraints at transit facilities.
ZEBs are pivotal in Canada's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. In 2021, the transportation sector accounted for 25% of the country's GHG emissions, with public transit contributing 1%.
The adoption of ZEB technology is crucial for sustainable advancement.
As the National Planning Service for the Government of Canada's Zero Emission Transit Fund, CUTRIC's database provides federal, provincial, and municipal governments, transit agencies, and manufacturers with valuable insights into the progress and obstacles encountered in electrifying transit operations.
For more information, download the full report: https://cutric-crituc.org/knowledge-series/zeb-database-report-4/
About CUTRIC
CUTRIC is a non-profit innovation consortium with a vision to make Canada a global leader in low-carbon smart mobility. Through industry-led collaborative research and large-scale technology integration trials, CUTRIC is working to achieve this goal by focusing on technology development, integration, and standardization of low-carbon propulsion systems and smart vehicle systems, data-driven analytics in mobility, and cybersecurity in transportation. CUTRIC is designated as the National Planning Service for the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund.
