Keolis Canada Becomes the Largest Operator of 100% Electric Type C School Buses in North America

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 13, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Keolis Canada is proud to announce that it has placed an order for 12 100% electric type C school buses to Lion Electric Co., one of the most significant transactions ever made in the history of this Quebec manufacturer. Given that 92% of Quebecers want school boards and schools to promote the use of electric buses, this transaction is in line with the population's will. Moreover, by placing this order, Keolis Canada becomes the largest operator of electric type C school buses in North America.

An expanding partnership

Already in 2016, Keolis Canada had bought two LionC electric school buses from Lion Electric Co. After two years of successful operation, Keolis Canada is now purchasing 12 new electric school buses from this Quebec manufacturer. They will be operational on Montréal's North Shore as of 2019.

As a result, 770 students of the Affluents School Board will be bussed, and 448 000 km will be driven annually by Keolis Canada's 14 electric school buses.

Keolis Canada is firmly committed to sustainable mobility and is constantly on the lookout for innovations that offer sustainable, high-performance solutions. The order announced today is consistent with Keolis Canada's desire to be the ideal partner of territories wishing to accelerate their energy transition by supporting them in the co-development of sustainable mobility solutions adapted to their local reality.

LionC electric buses, easily recognizable by their blue bumpers, are manufactured and assembled in the province of Quebec, in Saint-Jérôme. It is the only type C electric school vehicle manufactured in North America that guarantees the best transport conditions regardless of weather conditions.

Quebecers in favour of transport electrification

In the context of this deal, Lion Electric Co. carried out a survey within the population and the message is clear: Quebecers are in favour of a greater electrification of transportation.

• 92% of people believe that the electrification of transportation is a good way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• 93% think that governments should encourage the electrification of transport.
• 93% believe that replacing diesel buses by electric buses would contribute to air quality.
• 87% believe that diesel bus emissions have a negative impact on the health of the children carried.

Quotes

"We are very excited to be able to transport the new generation of Quebecers of the Lanaudière region with these electric school buses. Keolis is actively committed to increasing the well-being of the people in the territories it serves and puts a lot of energy into the development and deployment of new electric mobility solutions because they represent, in our opinion, the future of public transport and our vision of tomorrow's transport."

Patrick Gilloux, President and Chief Operating Officer of Keolis Canada

"The Affluents School Board is pleased to benefit from the use of the electric buses purchased by our carrier, Keolis Canada. Thanks to this initiative, hundreds of children will be bussed daily in a healthier environment for themselves and the planet."

Thomas Duzyk, President of the Affluents School Board

"We are very pleased to be taking part in Keolis Canada's commitment to sustainable mobility! We hope that this transaction will inspire all those who wish to find an economical, sustainable and environmental transport solution to turn to electrification."

Marc Bédard, President and Founder of Lion Electric Co.

About Keolis Canada
Keolis Canada specializes in many forms of passenger transport, namely intercity, urban, school, adapted, airport, chartered, and light rail transportation. With a team of more than 900 experienced employees, Keolis Canada delivers high-quality, reliable and safe services. Keolis Canada operates a fleet of 410 vehicles. It will also soon include 14 light rail units with the implementation of Keolis Grand River operations in Ontario. Each year, Keolis Canada carries almost 10 million passengers and more than 1 million parcels.

Keolis Group develops custom mobility solutions adapted to changing travel patterns and community expectations. Keolis is the world leader in the operation of automatic subways and light rails. It relies on a solid and open innovation policy with all its partners to develop new, innovative and tailor-made shared mobility alternatives: trains, buses, cars, trolley buses, collective bicycles, river and sea ferries, self-service bicycles, car pooling, electric autonomous shuttle and urban cable cars.

Leader in urban transportation in France, Groupe Keolis is a major player in public passenger transport in Europe and around the world. Today, more than 3 billion travellers have used one of Keolis' shared mobility services.

Held at 70% by the SNCF and 30% by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), the Group counts 63 000 employees in 16 countries and achieved a turnover of 5.4 billion euros (8.7 billion dollars) in 2017.

About Lion Electric Company

Lion Electric Co. is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. We imagine, design and produce 100% electric buses and minibuses developed for school, specialized and public transportation, as well as commercial electric trucks. We are a leader in the electrification of transportation in North America.

Lion designs and assembles all the components of its vehicles: chassis, battery pack, van body and powertrain.

At the cutting edge of technology, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. We are confident that the transition to fully electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our community, our environment and our quality of life.

TOGETHER, LET'S DRIVE POWER IN PROGRESS

SOURCE Lion Electric Co.