The MoU formalizes the intention of testing three Nova LFSe electric buses and two charging stations in Montréal. The goal is to have the noiseless and emission free buses operational for demonstration in the third quarter of 2015 and in regular traffic for three years, beginning in 2016. The three fully electric buses will be used in city operations in Montreal and charge rapidly at bus terminals. The energy storage system used in the vehicles is leveraging on the extensive Volvo Group knowledge and technology.
“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Montreal and welcome the efforts of the Government of Québec for the electrification of transit in Montréal,” Persson said. “We have developed the City Mobility Program to work with governments and city authorities around the world to solve the urban transportation challenges and offer silent, emission-free and safe solutions.”
Montréal will be the first city in North America to take part in the Volvo Group City Mobility program. This program brings together key players to implement sustainable and integrated innovative pilot projects. The City Mobility program includes new technologies for improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions, developed by Volvo, such as hybrid and electric vehicles.
This strategic partnership aims to make Montréal a leading city with innovative solutions for electric transit. It is in line with the Government of Québec’s Transportation Electrification Strategy for 2020 to significantly lessen its ecological print and the City of Montréal’s target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in 2020, compared to 1990 levels.
“The STM strives to become the best public transit authority in the world in its category,” Labrecque said. “Our active participation in this type of demonstration project enables us to test new technologies in real operating conditions and to assess their impact on planning, operations, maintenance, and above all, the improvement of customer service. This is also our way of contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of the Government of Québec and the City of Montréal.”
The deployment of the City Mobility Program is in progress in several cities around the world, such as Göteborg, Stockholm, Hamburg and Luxembourg.
“The Volvo Group has an in-depth understanding of complete transport solutions for sustainable cities, and we are pleased to share our expertise with our partners in Montréal. Together we can build an entirely new mode of travel”, Persson said.
