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Canada Could Decide The Fate Of Chinese EV Tariffs As Carney Meets Xi

  • Canada’s PM Mark Carney meets Xi Jinping amid tense trade discussions.
  • Reports suggest Canada may drop EV tariffs to restart canola exports.
  • Carney says no quick deal expected, needs more time to rebuild ties.

Seven years after Canadian leaders last met their Chinese opposite numbers, Prime Minister Mark Carney is sitting down with Chinese President Xi Jinping. At stake are billions of dollars worth of trade, but Carney hinted that the trade agreement many are hoping for might not materialise, at least not from this first face-to-face.

The two leaders are getting together at the summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Gyeongju, South Korea, and in the run-up to the meeting, some news reports suggested that Canada could be ready to axe the 100 percent tariff on imported Chinese EVs put in place in 2024.

Related: China Turns Up The Pressure As Canada Reconsiders Its EV Tariffs

Canada is under pressure to hit eco targets, and giving access to more affordable EVs could help. But the real pressure to cancel the EV tariffs is coming from Canada’s farmers.

The country’s Canola industry is worth billions of dollars, with a healthy chunk of that revenue coming from China. But exports to China have tanked since the Chinese placed a 75.8 percent tariff on canola seed in response to EV tariffs.

So a simple “you drop your tariffs and I’ll drop mine” handshake could sort everything, right? It’s not that easy, and Carney was careful not to suggest that he expected to come back from this initial meeting with an oven-baked trade agreement.

“We will explore what we can build on. This is our second largest trading partner. This is the second largest economy in the world,” Carney told the media in the build-up to the meet, as reported by CTV News.

 Canada Could Decide The Fate Of Chinese EV Tariffs As Carney Meets Xi
BYD

“[But] there’s no preset offer. This is the difference between relationship and transaction,” he added, explaining that the relationship between the two countries needed to “deepen” and that there were many other topics up for discussion besides EVs.

Another reason Carney might hesitate before lifting EV tariffs is concern over the welfare of Canada’s own auto industry, which is already taking a beating from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, and the current US-Canada tensions aren’t likely to ease those problems soon.

The last thing it needs is an influx of bargain-priced competitors from China.

 Canada Could Decide The Fate Of Chinese EV Tariffs As Carney Meets Xi

Canada Could Be Getting Ready To Lift Tariffs On Chinese EVs

  • Canada is rumored to be ready to lift tariffs on Chinese EVs.
  • Government seeks a more open trade path with China.
  • Carney will meet Xi Jinping this week at the Asia-Pacific summit.

Canada could soon open the floodgates for a wave of inexpensive Chinese EVs, and you can practically hear the sound of Donald Trump grinding his teeth from across the border. The prospect alone has already stirred political tension, economic speculation, and a fair bit of cross-border irritation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly preparing to roll back Canada’s 100 percent tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles, a policy originally put in place in 2024 under previous top Canadian Justin Trudeau.

Related: Canada Retaliates Against Two Major US Automakers

The move, according to The Wire China, a Boston-based outlet founded by former New York Times Shanghai correspondent David Barboza, could be announced at any moment.

That tariff was originally intended to align Canada with its Western partners and shield both domestic and US auto industries from what were described as state-subsidized imports. But time moves on, alliances shift, and so do economic priorities.

Reset or Risk?

According to Ottawa insiders, Carney wants to “reset” Canada’s relationship with Beijing as he heads to this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where he’s expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

 Canada Could Be Getting Ready To Lift Tariffs On Chinese EVs

The outcome of that meeting could be a thawing of frosty trade ties and better access for Canadian exports while easing restrictions on Chinese EVs that are already proving irresistible in Europe.

“Relationships rebuild over time when they have been … when they have changed, when they’ve changed for the worse,” Carney said in comments reported by CBC. “And so we have a lot of areas on which we can build.”

If the 100 percent tariffs go, dropping import duty to the previous 6.1 percent, it would be a dramatic pivot that could reshape Canada’s electric vehicle market almost overnight.

Brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Zeekr could swoop in with wallet-friendly options that would make even the most patriotic Canadian EV buyer think twice before spending Tesla or Rivian money.

 Canada Could Be Getting Ready To Lift Tariffs On Chinese EVs
Zeekr

What Happens to the Home Team?

The move would also leave Washington, and President Trump, fuming. The US itself still maintains a tough stance on Chinese EV imports, despite the fallout causing misery for American farmers who can no longer sell soy beans to China.

But Carney’s government may see things differently. Canada’s EV adoption targets are ambitious despite a recent softening, and affordable models are in short supply.

More: Canada Retaliates Against Two Major US Automakers

Chinese automakers, with their cost-efficient tech and fast-evolving battery platforms, could provide the shot in the arm Canada’s market needs.

Still, domestic automakers and unions, who are already bruised and battered from Trump’s tariffs, won’t be thrilled. Expect plenty of fretting from Ontario’s manufacturing belt, where many already fear competing with low-cost imports.

 Canada Could Be Getting Ready To Lift Tariffs On Chinese EVs
European Union

GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo

  • GM has ended production of BrightDrop electric delivery vans.
  • The slow-selling vehicles were part of GM’s bad bet on EVs.
  • Over 1,000 workers are out of a job as CAMI’s future remains unclear.

General Motors has ended production of their slow-selling BrightDrop vans. The models were made at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ontario and the company said the “commercial electric delivery van market developed much slower than expected.”

The automaker began producing the vans in late 2022, but the launch was a mess as BrightDrop was its own brand and had a tiny dealership network.

BrightDrop vans were eventually folded into Chevrolet last year, which promised to significantly expand sales beyond seven locations in the United States.

More: BrightDrop Becomes Part Of Chevrolet

Things didn’t pan out and unsold vehicles started piling up. GM recently offloaded 59 vans by donating them to the American Red Cross, but that was a drop in the bucket and the company paused production earlier this year.

Production was originally supposed to resume in May, before stopping again to allow for retooling for the 2026 model year. While production did briefly resume in May, BrightDrop is now dead and there will be no 2026 models.

 GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo

GM blamed the move on a variety of factors including slow sales, a changing regulatory environment, and the elimination of tax credits in the United States.

They added the axing was part of “broader adjustments” being made to electric vehicle capacity in North America.

Needless to say, blue collar employees are getting the shaft for GM’s bad bet on EVs. In this case, the company said “hourly employees will receive six months of salary and the potential for lump sum payments and other benefits.” Furthermore, CAMI Assembly will be “assessed for future opportunities.”

The Unifor union was outraged and claimed the decision was the result of the Trump administration’s “dangerous and destabilizing auto policies.” Of course, that’s glossing over the fact that sales have been terrible for years.

 GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo

However, this didn’t stop Unifor National President Lana Payne from saying, “The reality is that CAMI was hit from both directions by Trump as he aggressively acted to undo EV supports and hit Canadian auto assembly plants with a 25% tariff. Now more than 1,000 workers and their families are paying the price for Trump’s political interference and GM’s failure to hold the line.”

Other union officials said GM “abandoned” their employees, who “deserve a future at CAMI – not a dead end.” The anger is being further flamed by the decision to eliminate a shift at Oshawa Assembly in January, “heightening concerns about GM’s long-term manufacturing footprint in Canada.”

 GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo

Given these developments, Unifor said they will meet with GM and the Canadian government to immediately “press for a new product mandate and ensure CAMI remains a pillar of Canadian auto production.”

GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina said, “The decision to end production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van is driven by market demand and in no way reflects the commitment and skill of our workforce at CAMI.” He added, “This continues to be an uncertain time for our workforce at CAMI, and we are committed to working closely with our employees, Unifor, and the Canadian and Ontario governments as we evaluate next steps for the future of CAMI.”

 GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo

EV Charger Adapter Explodes Moments After Tesla Plugged In

  • A Tesla driver was injured after an explosion while charging in Hope, B.C.
  • A non-certified A2Z EV adapter suffered an internal arc fault malfunction.
  • Officials warn against uncertified charging gear after this dangerous incident.

Electric cars have a lot of negative myths that swirl around about them but they often carry a kernel of truth. While there are potential risks around charging, it’s rare that they pop up in reality.

More: There Are More Public Charging Stations Than Ever, But That’s Still Not Enough, Study Finds

Yet, every so often, one of those outliers surfaces, and in this case, it happened in Canada, where a charging adapter was destroyed by a short circuit, and it was all caught on camera.

A Tesla driver was trying to charge his car at a non-Tesla commercial charging station in British Columbia. To do so, he used an A2Z adapter that allows the charging station to plug into the car.

What Actually Happened?

When he plugged the charger with the adapter connected to it into the Tesla, there was an arc flash explosion. Thankfully, the man was a few feet away from the connection when the explosion happened.

 EV Charger Adapter Explodes Moments After Tesla Plugged In

While he experienced minor scrapes and abrasions, the man escaped serious injury. His spouse, sitting in the front passenger seat, was unharmed. An investigation into the incident found that the charging adapter and the charger itself had issues that led to the explosion.

More: Chinese EV’s Fire Fix Shoots Battery Into Traffic And Makes It Their Problem

The adapter wasn’t certified for use in Canada because the standards hadn’t been created yet when the unit went on sale. In addition, the charger itself sent “abnormal voltage,” into the adapter. When that happened, the arc explosion took place and blew the adapter into multiple pieces.

Lessons From a Flash

Bob Porter, of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association told the Vancouver Sun that “There are risks with third-party things if they aren’t approved. They haven’t been tested for safety. You don’t jerk around with electricity.”

The Tesla owner mentioned that he’d used the same setup for two years without issue, which makes the event a reminder that even supposedly reliable gear can fail suddenly if it hasn’t been certified or tested under the right standards.

This clearly isn’t a major issue across the industry, but it’s a good reminder that when things go wrong, they can go seriously wrong in the blink of an eye.

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Photos Technical Safety BC

China Turns Up The Pressure As Canada Reconsiders Its EV Tariffs

  • Canada imposed 100 percent tariffs on Chinese EVs to protect its industry.
  • China retaliated with heavy duties on key Canadian agricultural exports.
  • Some Canadian premiers want tariffs dropped to protect canola producers.

China isn’t pleased about the 100 percent tariffs that Canada imposed on its imports, including electric vehicles, in October last year. Seeking to persuade Ottawa to reconsider, Beijing has offered to lift its own retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods.

Even so, Canada’s automotive parts industry head has cautioned against easing the restrictions, warning that doing so could open the door for low-cost Chinese EVs to flood the market.

Trade Tensions at Full Charge

When the tariffs were first introduced, Canada described them as measures to safeguard national security and defend domestic manufacturing. Officials also argued that China’s electric vehicle industry benefited from unfair state subsidies.

Beijing’s reaction was swift. The People’s Republic struck back with tariffs on Canadian agriculture, imposing a 100 percent rate on canola oil and meat, along with a 75.8 percent duty on canola seed.

Read: Canada Might Let Chinese EVs In And The Reason Has Nothing To Do With Cars

According to Chinese ambassador Wang Di, Beijing is ready to roll back the tariff measures if Canada does the same.

“If Canada removes the unilateral unjustified tariffs on Chinese products, China will also reciprocate accordingly,” he said, “and if the EV tariffs are removed, then China will also remove the tariffs on the relevant products of Canada.”

 China Turns Up The Pressure As Canada Reconsiders Its EV Tariffs

The Canadian government says it is conducting an informal review of its tariffs on Chinese EVs, CTV News reports. It adds that since the trade dispute started, exports from Saskatchewan dropped 76 percent in August from the year prior.

Both the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have called for tariffs to be lowered to protect the local canola industries.

A Divided Response

Still, Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, has pushed back against any move to abandon the tariffs on Chinese EVs.

“I am reminding (the premiers) publicly, that if Canada is in a trade war with a country, then the response has to be a Canadian response,” he told CTV.

“These Chinese EVs are not made for profit, they are subsidized. We’re in the middle of a game, and the only thing that changed… was the Chinese ambassador said, ‘If you do this, we’ll give you that.’ And last time I checked, the Chinese ambassador was sent from Beijing, not from Ottawa.”

 China Turns Up The Pressure As Canada Reconsiders Its EV Tariffs

Sources: CTV News

Lion Electric School Buses Return to Quebec Roads After HVAC Fires

The Lion Bus electric school buses pulled from service in Quebec two weeks ago have reportedly all returned to the road after repairs were made to faulty HVAC fuses.

The Quebec Ministry of Education had ordered LionC electric school bus models to be taken out of service after a fire in Montreal Sept. 9, leading to school disruptions across the province and a renewed scrutiny of electric school bus safety. Lion360 diesel school buses, which Lion manufactured prior to only producing electric vehicles in 2017, were also affected by the issue. Lion Bus issued an inspection bulletin detailing the four-hour repair.

“We have identified some potential anomalies in a sub-component of the HVAC system that Lion obtains from a third-party supplier,” the bulletin states. “In the interest of safety above all else, we request that Lion bus operators perform the following inspections and modifications: [M]andatory inspection of several low-voltage electrical connections, replacement of certain electrical connectors, replace fan fuses with less powerful ones, adding a fuse to an HVAC control panel circuit. This inspection and modification procedure must be carried out on all Lion360 (diesel) and LionC 3rd generation and earlier buses (Gen3, Gen2 and Gen1).”

Lion Bus, the new name of the former Lion Electric based in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, has become the centerpiece of Canada’s electric school bus transition. The manufacturer has delivered more than 1,200 all-electric buses across North America, with the majority operating in Quebec. But at the same time, the company recently emerged from Canada’s version of bankruptcy protection and was acquired by a Quebec real estate magnate. Per terms of the deal, all warranties outside of Quebec became null and void.

The Sept. 9 fire occurred while the English Montreal School Board bus, operated by contractor Transco, was parked and unoccupied. No injuries resulted. Transport Canada confirmed it was investigating three total reports of LionC fires, the Montreal incident and two earlier fires, with the focus was on the low-voltage heating system. The agency, Canada’s version of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said its investigation has yet to identify a safety defect “due to the extent of fire damage in affected buses.”

Transport Canada recommended fleet owners immediately inspect their LionCs “in accordance with the manufacturer’s inspection bulletin.” For school bus drivers who see any smoke or smell anything burning, Transport Canada advises them to stop the bus, evacuate all passengers and, if safe, turn off the high-voltage and 12-volt power supplies.

CBC reported that three similar fires and a smoke-filled school bus have occurred since last November. It took the Sept. 9 incident for Transport Canada to investigate, according to the article.

But reports from local firefighters indicate the fire did not spread to the lithium-ion battery pack, added nonprofit climate advocate Green Communities Canada.

“It’s important to remember that data consistently shows gas-powered vehicles are six- to eight-times more likely to catch fire than electric vehicles,” added Leif Einarson, communications manager for Green Communities Canada. “One incident should not derail the momentum we’ve built in transitioning to cleaner, safer student transportation.”

Lion Bus said in a statement on Sept. 12 that it was working with Transport Canada to determine the exact cause but confirmed “neither the electric battery nor the propulsion system was involved.”

That same day, Lion said Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec approved its plan to return LionC electric school buses to service.

The English Montreal School Board confirmed in an Instagram post Sept. 20 that Transco received the missing parts needed for its electric buses. Two days later, Sunday, Sept. 22, the school posted that all buses had been repaired, inspected and cleared for operation Monday. In all, 76 school buses were grounded, cancelling 68 routes.

First Student owns Transco in Quebec. But the largest contractor in North America, First Student also operates more Lion ESBs than any fleet, including in the U.S.

“Our maintenance and engineering teams are following the Lion Inspection Bulletin to guide all inspections and replacements. As part of this [Lion] bulletin, we are conducting a multi-step inspection focused on electrical safety and system integrity,” company spokeswoman Brenna Rudisill told School Transportation News. “This includes replacing the HVAC control panel for wiring damage and foreign objects, replacing specific fuses to optimize fan performance, checking electrical panels and starter solenoid connections for proper torque and alignment, and verifying bulkhead terminal tightness.”

Rudisill added First Student technicians replaced any faulty components found and upgraded connectors. The issue had been receiving the parts. She said the contractor advises school districts across Canada and the U.S. to “continue to follow Lion’s inspection bulletin.”

Valérie Tremblay, coordinator for the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA), said the inspections brought an unexpected upside.

“The good thing is it pushed school districts, operators and Transport Canada to thoroughly inspect all electric school buses,” she explained.


Related: Report: Inequities in Canadian Electric School Bus Transition Threaten At-risk Populations
Related: Green Bus Summit Commences with Discussion on Future-Proofing Electric Buses
Related: Canada Becomes First Country to Mandate External School Bus Surveillance Feeds
Related: Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire

The post Lion Electric School Buses Return to Quebec Roads After HVAC Fires appeared first on School Transportation News.

Micro Bird Officially Opens U.S. Manufacturing, School Bus Production Already Underway

By: Ryan Gray

The new U.S.-based manufacturing of the Micro Bird joint venture between Blue Bird and Girardin Minibus of Quebec is underway, with the plant in Plattsburgh, New York, officially opening this past week.

The formation of Micro Bird USA LLC was announced last November with the factory, formerly a Nova Bus plant, acquired in December with a $38 million investment. The first U.S. manufactured Micro Birds in 15 years began rolling off the production line in July

Micro Bird said the 156,000-square-foot plant currently employs 225 workers with a goal of growing the number to 350 when it reaches full production capacity. The project is supported by the Empire State Development with nearly $10 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was on hand Wednesday for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Today’s grand opening celebration marks a new chapter for Plattsburgh,” she said. “We are proud to welcome Micro Bird to the North Country, where the company is tapping into our skilled workforce, thriving transportation cluster, and major regional investments. This new facility strengthens the local economy, creates good jobs, and builds a brighter future for the region and all of New York.”

The current Micro Bird joint venture dates to Sept. 14, 2009, when Blue Bird and Quebec-based school bus manufacturer and dealer A. Girardin Inc. entered a 50-50 partnership agreement to create Micro Bird, Inc. and jointly market the Type A school bus branded as Micro Bird by Girardin. Girardin provided all body design, manufacturing and assembly.

Blue Bird and Girardin also entered a supply marketing agreement in 1991 to sell the Type A vehicles through Blue Bird’s sales network. The school bus was mostly assembled at Girardin’s Brantford, Ontario, plant but also at Blue Bird’s Fort Valley, Georgia, plant from 2006-2010, said Steve Girardin, the executive chairman of Micro Bird, Inc. He also noted that Girardin designed the very first Micro Bird for Blue Bird in the 1970s.

The Plattsburgh plant opening returns a significant portion of Micro Bird production to the U.S. to supplement ongoing manufacturing in Quebec but with a much larger footprint. Micro Bird USA said last year it expects the new facility will double the company’s Type A production. NBC5 reported Micro Bird USA expects the plant will help increase daily production to 15 buses a day from its current five a day.

The new plant is also fully compliant with the Buy America Act.

“This grand opening is a proud moment for the entire team,” said Eric Boulé, president and CEO of Micro Bird. “With our new facility, we are doubling our production capacity and increasing our ability to deliver high-quality, long-lasting small and mid-size buses to our customers.”

Boule added Micro Bird had been planning expansion “for some years.”

“Plattsburgh was the perfect choice for us, the availability of a highly skilled workforce, proximity to major markets, and within a community with a strong manufacturing ecosystem,” he continued.


Related: Longer-Range Micro Bird Electric School Bus to Hit Road in Early 2025
Related:Some Type A School Buses Fall Under Latest EPA Pollution Reduction Rule
Related:
Type A School Bus Market Consolidates with Acquisition of Trans Tech Bus

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Electric School Bus Catches Fire in Montreal, No Injuries Reported

An electric school bus caught fire in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. Fortunately, all five children aboard, along with the driver, were unharmed, reported CBC News.

The incident reportedly occurred Sept. 9 near, sparking concern among parents and local authorities.

The Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM) stated via the article that the children were being transported to one of the city’s schools when the driver noticed an unusual odor coming from the bus. Realizing something was wrong, the driver quickly parked the vehicle, evacuated the children, and called for help. A separate bus arrived shortly afterward to pick up the students.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no official conclusions drawn yet. However, a Montreal Fire Department spokesperson confirmed via the news report that the fire began after the driver turned off the bus’ heating system and noticed smoke rising from the vents. The fire spread rapidly but did not damage the vehicle’s battery system. Firefighters were able to put out the flames with four crew members on the scene.

According to the news report, a statement from CSSDM assured parents that the transportation company’s vehicles undergo rigorous mechanical checks, which had recently been completed.

“As per our contracts, the transportation company’s vehicles are subject to strict mechanical verification requirements, and those verifications are recent,” the statement said via the article. The school service center has been in close contact with the company to determine the cause of the fire.

The bus was reportedly manufactured by Lion Electric, now known as LION Bus after being acquired out of bankruptcy earlier this year. In a statement via the article, LION confirmed it is conducting an internal analysis to better understand the circumstances surrounding the fire. However, as STN has reported, LION has ceased all operations in the U.S. after being purchased by a private company in Canada. The bus involved in the fire was owned by First Studen. In a statement, First Student commended the school bus driver for acting swiftly and praised the local fire department for their prompt response.

“The bus driver responded swiftly and appropriately, ensuring the safety of everyone on board. We also want to thank the local fire department for their prompt and professional response,” the company said via the article.

According to the news report, this incident is similar to one occurring last November, when another electric school bus caught fire in Ascot Corner, Quebec. In that case, the fire also started in the vehicle’s heating system but, like Tuesday’s incident, did not affect the battery. The driver in that case was the only one on board and escaped unharmed.

Parents of students on board the bus were informed of the incident, and while there was some delay in getting the children home, the quick response from the driver and emergency services ensured the situation was handled without injury.


Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire
Related: WATCH: South Carolina Bus Driver and Monitor Save Children from House Fire
Related: STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders

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Report: Inequities in Canadian Electric School Bus Transition Threaten At-risk Populations

By: Ryan Gray

With 2.2 million Canadian students back in school via the yellow school bus, a new report by the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) highlights the need for equity of access and funding to make the transition to electric school buses a successful one. ​

Fewer than 4 percent of Canada’s 51,000 school buses, about 2,000 vehicles, are currently electric. But 70 percent of school buses on the road are set to be replaced in the next two to seven years, the report emphasizes.

Embedding Equity in Canada’s Transition to Electric School Buses calls on federal and provincial policymakers to ensure no one is left behind during the country’s move toward zero-emissions school buses. It identifies challenges faced by indigenous communities, students with disabilities and under-resourced areas in accessing ESBs. Adoption remains “significantly lower” in indigenous and remote communities nationwide, due primarily to cost barriers. ​

“We want to make sure that provinces roll out some financial incentive for electric school buses because right now just for the deployment there are absolutely no guidelines that force school bus operators or school districts to prioritize electric school buses in communities where there is more pollution and where they’re actually underserved,” lead author Valerie Tremblay of Green Communities Canada, a co-coordinator of CESBA, told School Transportation News.

The paper notes most ESBs range from $400,000 to $600,000 per bus compared to $125,000 for a diesel model — and related infrastructure, which proves especially challenging for indigenous and remote communities that already have higher transportation costs and barriers to funding. For example, transporting a student in northern Alberta costs $1,279 compared to $363 in urban areas, according to a report on education transportation needs prepared for the Assembly of First Nations, an advocacy group for indigenous people across Canada. ​

School bus contractor Switzer-Carty is a CESBA member company and currently operates two, 2018 model-year, Type C ESBs from the former Lion Electric. Those buses transport general education students, said Rich Bagdonas, vice president of business development for Switzer-Carty. But funding is also at issue.

The federal government targets 35 percent of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales to be zero emissions by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. The Zero Emissions Transit Fund (ZETF) covers capital and planning costs, while the Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program funds chargers.

But Bagdonas pointed out that Ontario, where Switzer-Carty mainly operates, does not currently offer provincial funding programs or incentives though the company is exploring other local options.

Tremblay added ESB funding and deployment has so far focused on Montreal and Quebec, where 80 percent or about 1,600 ESBs operate, and other urban cities. Quebec also mandates nearly two-thirds of school bus fleets be electrified by 2030. British Columbia operates about 150 ESBs and also offers incentives, noted Bagdonas, as the province also aligns with California’s mandate that all trucks and buses be electrified by 2036.

Further illustrating the challenge, the report shares that Prince Edward’s Island also has no funding program currently in place despite targeting 100 percent ESBs province-wide by 2030. It had been relying on funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank Zero-Emissions Bus Initiative, but those funds are now exhausted.

The report recommends revising provincial and federal budgets to cover higher upfront ESB costs and better support small fleet operators.

Tremblay and associate Nicole Roach note that procurement guidelines and safety standards also need updating to ensure universal bus design and a wider range of school bus models that provide accessibility and inclusivity for all. For example, they call for standard wheelchair lifts for students with disabilities.

Tremblay and Roach write that Type A school buses now offer increased range, the prior lack of which had posed “significant challenges,” but supply remains constrained with only a few models available in Canada. The availability of Type C school buses equipped with wheelchair lifts “has the potential to ease some of the equity concerns tied to ESB adoption, especially for smaller operators or school districts,” they write.

Then, there is the obvious reduction in exposure to diesel emissions, which not only improves health but also provides better academic outcomes and school attendance. The report cites findings from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and the National Bureau of Economic Research in Massachusetts.

The report also considers the entire lifecycle of electric school buses, from resource extraction to manufacturing, adoption and use to disposal, and calls for intentional planning to ensure the transition benefits all communities, especially those on indigenous lands. Canada is a leading global producer of many critical minerals essential for ESB production, with mining predominantly located in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta.

Meanwhile, the report also notes the need for improved working conditions by increasing wages and operational funding for school transportation staff, “as electric buses provide cleaner and quieter environments but may limit extra income opportunities due to range constraints.” This includes workforce development to expand ESB maintenance training programs that address skill gaps and job losses in the transition. ​

In addition to newly manufactured ESBs, the report recommends funding pilot projects to convert diesel buses to electric, preventing the export of decommissioned buses to countries with weaker safety standards, policies for adopting safe recycling of electric vehicle batteries and strengthening protections in mining practices to respect the rights of indigenous people and address human rights abuses linked to Canadian mining companies. ​


Related: WRI Research Highlights Monetary Health Benefits of Electric School Buses
Related: Previous Lion Electric School Bus Warranties Voided by Company Sale
Related: Report Finds Challenges to California Vehicle Electrification Plans

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Support for Electric Vehicles

By: newenergy

New Poll: American Voters Support Federal Investments in Electric Vehicles Broad, Bipartisan Support for EV Investments and Incentives that Lower Costs, Expand Access, and Help the U.S. Beat China in the Race for Auto Manufacturing WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bipartisan national poll conducted by Meeting Street Insights and Hart Research finds broad public support …

The post Support for Electric Vehicles appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

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