The yellow school bus is going green in Quebec. Local firm B3CG Interconnect, a manufacturer of harness assemblies and electromechanical components, has partnered with battery supplier EnerDel to develop and manufacture traction batteries for Canadian school bus producer Lion Bus, which recently won a project from the Quebec Ministry to develop an all-electric school bus.

Under Canada’s Transportation Electrification Strategy, over 10,000 EVs are projected to be introduced on Quebec roads by 2017. The electric school bus market in Canada is estimated to be over 250 buses annually.

Each 72-seat vehicle will feature composite body materials and an electric powertrain equipped with 100 kWh of lithium-ion batteries, and is expected to have a range of more than 50 miles.

Prototype battery system components have been delivered and are being prepared for vehicle testing. In 2015, series production will begin, and the first vehicles will begin regular service.

EnerDel will build the main battery components, including its high-density Moxie+ modules and Secure+ Battery Management System, at its plant in Indiana. B3CG will complete the final battery and wiring harness assembly in Quebec.

“The Quebec Government has created an exceptional program to develop and electrify public transportation,” said David Roberts, EnerDel CEO. “Participation in this national program would not be possible without strong partnership with B3CG. This business award highlights a number of recent projects we have delivered to customers in Canada.”

“Collaborating with EnerDel gives us access to reliable and safe battery technology and allows us to enter into the battery industry,” said B3CG CEO Stefan Baumans. “We spent significant efforts selecting the right supplier from among the key players in the lithium-ion market. EnerDel’s product offerings fulfilled our needs for a high quality, safe product. Their unique aftermarket approach allows our end customers to enjoy worry-free operation and lower Total Cost of Ownership.”

Source: B3CG Interconnect, EnerDel