Canadian Operator, Utility Provider Partner for EV Pilot Project

Autobus Groupe Séguin (Autobus Séguin), a transportation operator based in Laval, Québec, is teaming up with utility provider Hydro-Québec for an electric vehicle (EV) pilot project.

The project includes implementing 12 charging stations with a total power of 260 kW to support 10 of Autobus Séguin’s electric school buses for the start of the 2021-22 school year, according to a news release from Hydro-Québec. The pilot project will continue through the year and will provide an opportunity to verify certain parameters related to operating and charging electric buses.

As previously reported, in January, Autobus Séguin placed an order for a total of 60 LionC school buses from The Lion Electric Co. Aside from the 10 buses that will be on the road in September, the remaining 50 electric buses will be delivered through 2026, subject to continued satisfaction of certain conditions.

"In order to support our company's transition to electrification, we have partnered with Hydro-Québec's experts so we can benefit from their knowledge,” said Stéphane Boisvert, president of Autobus Séguin, said in the news release. “We will use the experience we acquire through this pilot project by sharing our reality as a school bus carrier for the benefit of our industry peers."

Several Québec-based suppliers will participate in the project, including Lion Electric, Malco Electrique, and AddEnergie. Hydro-Québec hopes the pilot project will give various suppliers the opportunity to develop their expertise for future EV initiatives.