Endicott's BAE will power largest North American battery-electric bus order
BAE Systems has secured work on North America’s largest-ever battery-electric bus order, the Endicott manufacturer announced Wednesday.
Ten transit authorities that make up the Association du Transport Urbain du Quebec (ATUQ) have ordered up to 1,229 battery-electric buses that run emission-free.
BAE’s electric drive systems will be integrated on buses produced by Nova Bus, part of the Volvo Group.
“We are proud to advance the transition to zero-emission public transportation in Quebec,” said Bob Lamanna, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “This order marks the next step toward full fleet electrification — delivering reliable, high-performance systems to help ATUQ’s members reach their environmental goals.”
Here’s what you need to know.
How will the order impact the Endicott workforce?
ATUQ's base order is for 339 units, with options for 890 more. BAE did not indicate if the bus order will lead to new job creation in Endicott, but the company said it is currently recruiting employees for a variety of roles, including operations and engineering.
“We are currently hiring workers across our footprint and offering them the opportunity to innovate, hone new skills, and work on projects that will make an impact on a global scale," said a spokesperson. "More information on open roles at BAE Systems can be found at BAESystems.com/Careers.”
More than 16,000 transit buses worldwide are powered by BAE propulsion systems. The technology is developed and serviced in Endicott, New York and in Rochester in the United Kingdom.
How does the order fit other developments at BAE?
The order continues a string of new work coming to BAE’s Endicott facility in 2023. In March, the company announced it will provide electric power and propulsion systems for three hydrogen fuel cell buses ordered by the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.
In April, the company’s Controls and Avionics Solutions announced a collaboration with Heart Aerospace to develop the battery system for Heart’s ES-30 regional electric airplane.
The buses for the ATUQ order will be delivered over a three-year period starting in 2025.
More: How Southern Tier manufacturer BAE will power Rochester's new hydrogen buses
What will BAE produce for ATUQ buses?
The buses produced by Nova Bus will feature BAE’s latest electric drive system, the Gen3. The system utilizes an electric motor and advanced power electronics to produce clean transportation. Silicon carbide improves heat management, and the system uses lightweight components and increased electrical efficiency to enhance vehicle performance, according to the company.
BAE’s flexible design and compact system helps the buses travel longer distances on a single charge. The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority cited increased range in expanding its hydrogen fleet over other options.
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Where will the buses operate?
ATUQ serves major urban centers in the province of Québec, including Montréal and Québec City. Together, it provides 99% of the public transportation trips in the province, according to a press release.
Québec aims to have 55% of its bus fleet electric by 2030, while making every new bus purchase an electric model by 2025.
BAE Systems already powers 1,800 buses in the province.
“BAE Systems has been with us from the beginning of our journey, starting with electric-hybrids and now the switch to all-electric buses,” said Marc-Andre Varin, general manager of ATUQ. “This is a big leap forward in our plans to provide sustainable transit service.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: BAE's electric drive system will power ATUQ Nova Bus in Canada
