Letenda announced its first order of electric buses to date in the United States. The Vermont Agency of Transportation will award a contract for four 30-foot electric Electrip buses.
"We believe in the importance of supporting transit companies in their transition to the electrification of public transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to be part of the solution by supporting our customers: Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and Marble Valley Regional Transit District (MVRTD) as well as the state of Vermont in its efforts towards a zero emissions economy. Québec and the state of Vermont have a similar climate and proximity that invite an exceptional opportunity for collaboration," said Letenda President and CEO Nicolas Letendre.
These vehicles will be delivered to Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and Marble Valley Regional Transit District (MVRTD) and will be in service in the cities of Burlington and Rutland. These four vehicles are added to the 22 electric buses already in circulation or in the process of being supplied by pursuing the objective of reducing pollution.
"Vermont is committed to combatting climate change and electrifying the transportation sector is an important piece of the puzzle. Vermont is proud to become the first recipient in the U.S of Letenda electric busses, which helps show our dedication to these efforts. It is critical that we show our commitment with the investments we choose to make. I want to thank our partners, including Letenda, for their work to build a greener future," said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.
The Electrip's energy efficiency allows it to provide performance in winter conditions, which was a major criterion in Letenda's selection. This decision also reflects the state of Vermont's goal to help companies trying to introduce more electric vehicle options to the U.S. market.
Joe Flynn, secretary of State of Vermont Agency of Transportation, added, "VTrans is excited to add four Letenda electric buses to our fleet, which already has four electric buses in use statewide and another 14 to be delivered soon. Green Mountain Transit and Marble Valley Regional Transit District will work together to procure these vehicles from Letenda, with delivery likely in 2023. We thank the Federal Transit Administration, our public transit providers, the regional utility companies and Letenda for working toward our shared goals of decreasing pollution, improving the ridership experience and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.”
