Letenda, manufacturer of a new generation of zero-emission city buses, announced its collaboration with exo for an operational demonstration of its first electric midibus, the Electrip.

This partnership agreement, which will begin in 2024, will allow Electrip to benefit from the expertise of a public transit operator through a series of operational tests including road tests, maintenance tests and improvements to accessibility elements in operating mode. The main objective of this project is to evaluate the energy efficiency and reliability of this type of vehicle under various climatic conditions.

As part of the implementation of the first phase of exo’s bus electrification program (2021-2027), this initiative is an opportunity to position the Quebec electric midibus market at the forefront. Letenda specializes in the manufacture of 30-foot buses.

The demonstration will include several phases of technical validation, and then the Electrip is scheduled to travel on the roads of exo’s territory. The data and feedback from exo professionals and users gathered during this pilot project will allow Letenda to further develop this new product.

“We are pleased to collaborate with exo on this project. Their bus electrification program is undeniably part of the sustainable mobility equation that is in line with our core values: innovation, sustainability and collaboration,” said Nicolas Letendre, President and CEO of Letenda.

“In order to support the local market, exo is pleased with this collaboration with Letenda, which will be beneficial for both organizations in terms of developing electric midibuses. Eventually, exo plans to acquire a fleet of 100% electric buses of various sizes for a progressive deployment on its territory. Midibus vehicles such as the Electrip are definitely part of the equation,” said Marc Rousseau, exo’s executive director of operations.