Ottawa Transit Invests in Clean Diesel While Paving the Way for Electric Future

Ottawa, ON – Ottawa’s transit authority, OC Transpo, has announced a $75 million CAD order for 50 clean diesel articulated buses from New Flyer, a move that highlights the complex balancing act between immediate transportation needs and long-term sustainability goals. While the city remains committed to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2036, this investment acknowledges current challenges in electric bus technology and supply chain constraints.

This order comes amidst a broader shift within the transit industry towards electric vehicles, driven by growing environmental concerns and advancements in battery technology. However, OC Transpo’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach, ensuring reliable service for Ottawa’s growing population while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a fully electric future.

Navigating a Complex Transition

“The decision wasn’t simply about choosing between diesel and electric,” explains a source familiar with OC Transpo’s strategic planning. “It’s about ensuring that we can continue to provide reliable, high-capacity service to our riders, particularly on our busiest routes. The availability of electric articulated buses that meet our operational needs – range, capacity, and cold-weather performance – is still a few years away.”

The recently announced order isn’t a step away from electrification, but rather a strategic move to address immediate needs while the technology matures. OC Transpo already operates a fleet of New Flyer XE40 electric buses and Nova LFSe+ models, demonstrating its commitment to zero-emission technology. However, securing high-capacity electric articulated buses – crucial for busy routes – has proven challenging.

“We’ve been actively piloting electric buses for several years,” says another source close to the project. “The results have been positive, but scaling up to replace our entire articulated fleet requires overcoming several hurdles, including charging infrastructure, battery life in cold climates, and ensuring consistent performance throughout the day.”

Balancing Environmental Goals with Practical Considerations

The new clean diesel buses utilize advanced emission control technologies, significantly reducing pollutants compared to older diesel engines. These systems minimize particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, offering a cleaner alternative while the transit authority awaits advancements in electric bus technology.

However, even clean diesel buses still produce greenhouse gas emissions, prompting OC Transpo to emphasize its long-term commitment to a fully electric fleet. The agency is actively investing in charging infrastructure and collaborating with energy providers to ensure a sustainable power supply for its future electric buses.

“We recognize that clean diesel is not a permanent solution,” acknowledges a transportation analyst following OC Transpo’s progress. “But it's a bridge to a cleaner future, allowing the city to reduce emissions from its existing fleet while it prepares for a full transition to electric vehicles.”

A Broader Industry Trend

OC Transpo’s decision aligns with a broader trend within the transit industry. Many cities are adopting a phased approach to electrification, combining investments in electric buses with continued use of clean diesel or hybrid vehicles. This approach allows them to balance environmental goals with practical considerations, such as cost, reliability, and operational efficiency.

NFI Group, New Flyer’s parent company, has seen a significant increase in its backlog, reaching $11.8 billion USD as of Q2 2024. The recent OC Transpo order contributes to this backlog, demonstrating continued demand for both electric and clean diesel buses.

“We’re seeing a growing demand for zero-emission buses, but also a continued need for conventional buses,” explains a financial analyst covering NFI Group. “Transit agencies are carefully balancing their budgets and operational needs, and often a phased approach is the most realistic solution.”

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the progress, several challenges remain. The cost of electric buses is still significantly higher than conventional buses, and the availability of charging infrastructure is limited in many areas. Additionally, battery life and performance can be affected by cold weather, requiring careful planning and investment in appropriate technologies.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration. As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure becomes more widespread, the cost of electric buses is expected to decrease, making them a more attractive option for transit agencies.

“We’re actively working with battery manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers to address these challenges,” says a source within OC Transpo’s engineering department. “We’re also exploring innovative financing models and partnerships to help reduce the cost of electric buses and charging infrastructure.”

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Ottawa Transit

OC Transpo’s recent investment in clean diesel buses is a pragmatic step towards a more sustainable future for Ottawa transit. While the agency remains committed to a fully electric fleet by 2036, this move ensures reliable service for riders in the short term while the technology matures and the necessary infrastructure is put in place.

The decision reflects a broader industry trend of balancing environmental goals with practical considerations, and it underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning in the transition to a sustainable transportation system. As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure becomes more widespread, Ottawa transit is well-positioned to lead the way in the adoption of electric vehicles and create a cleaner, more sustainable future for its citizens.