Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Transit received its first zero-emission bus (ZEB). The 40-foot fuel-cell battery-electric bus is the first of 16 buses expected this spring as part of the Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program.
Winnipeggers can expect to see the first ZEBs on roads as early as mid-March as Winnipeg Transit conducts out-of-service testing. It’s anticipated that they will be in limited service in April, following the spring schedule change.
This initial zero-emission fleet will consist of:
- Four 40-foot and four 60-foot fuel-cell battery-electric buses
- Four 40-foot and four 60-foot battery-electric buses
Fuel-cell battery-electric buses recharge with hydrogen. They can drive for up to 24 hours. Battery-electric buses recharge by connecting to a charger. They can drive for 10 to 15 hours. Winnipeg will be the first Canadian city with 60-foot ZEBs in service.
All 16 buses will complete in- and out-of-service testing. Testing will look at a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) battery health, energy consumption, and operating costs.
Testing will also look into which zero-emission technology is most effective in Winnipeg's climate. All information gathered will help determine the future steps in electrification.
Winnipeg Transit’s second order of ZEBs – 24 in total – is expected in early 2026.
The Transition to Zero-Emission Bus Program is receiving $280.3M in funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. In total, 90 ZEBs will be purchased through the program. Every bus eliminates 62 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
To learn more about the program, visit: winnipegtransit.com/zeb.