Coming in at $1.3 million apiece, the City of Saskatoon has purchased two new electric buses to add to their fleet.

Director of Saskatoon Transit Mike Mollenbeck says the buses were brought in in an effort to commit to environmentally sustainable public transit, and to kick off a $115.4 million fleet renewal strategy.

“Transitioning to battery-electric buses is a positive step towards city’s targets outlines in Low Emissions Community Plan and Climate Action Plan, which includes reducing carbon emissions by 55,000 carbon dioxide equivalents by 2050.”

In July of 2020, an electric bus pilot project was run to determine if they were suitable for Saskatoon’s climate and topography. Mollenbeck says based on the success of that project, City Council approved the purchase in December of 2021.

AN electric bus costs roughly $400 thousand more than a typical diesel equivalent, but savings are expected to be made elsewhere.

“Industry averages are showing about 60 tons of CO2 equivalents reduced and (a) $40,000 reduction in maintenance costs.”

The buses can be charged within three hours and can drive over 300 kilometres before needing a recharge. He expects the buses to be in operation on regular routes by the end of the month.