Bus supplier updates from New Flyer Industries Canada, Hexagon Agility, Volvo Group

New Flyer Industries Canada and Hexagon Agility are supporting new bus orders while Volvo Group has acquired a battery-cell laboratory.

New Flyer Industries Canada receives order from OC Transpo 

New Flyer Industries Canada (New Flyer) has been awarded an order from OC Transpo, in Ottawa for 124 Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot battery-electric transit buses, further advancing OC Transpo’s commitment to fleet electrification and sustainable transit. The order is an option off New Flyer’s 2023 agreement with the Toronto Transit Commission and was part of New Flyer’s Q1 2025 backlog. 

“With over 1,100 New Flyer buses delivered to OC Transpo over the past 35 years, New Flyer is positioned to continue to shape the future of public transit in Canada’s capital with our next-generation electric solutions,” said Chris Stoddart, president of North American bus and coach, NFI. “This follow-up order from OC Transpo highlights our commitment to ensuring competitive delivery timelines so that transit riders can access the new fleet in 2026.” 

The new buses build on OC Transpo’s initial order of 51 Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses, placed in late 2023—bringing the agency’s total investment in New Flyer’s electric bus platform to 175 vehicles. The purchase is funded through a combination of local investment and federal support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund

Hexagon Agility to deliver 476 compressed natural gas fuel systems to GILLIG 

Hexagon Agility has received an order from GILLIG to deliver CNG fuel systems for 476 new buses in Dallas. 

The fleet modernization effort will help Dallas Area Rapid Transit continue to meet the evolving needs of its riders with safer, cleaner and more efficient public transport. Passengers can expect to see the new buses on North Texas routes by spring of 2026, prior to the region serving as host to the FIFA World Cup. 

“These CNG buses exemplify GILLIG’s dedication to delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective transit solutions that empower communities and enhance the passenger experience,” said GILLIG Vice President of Sales Bill Fay. “We value our long-standing partnership with Hexagon Agility and are proud to collaborate on this important project to modernize Dallas’ transit fleet.” 

Hexagon Agility Head of Fuel Systems Ian MacDonald added, “We’re proud to continue our collaboration with GILLIG in delivering industry-leading CNG fuel systems for transit fleets. “As cities like Dallas invest in upgrading their transit systems, CNG stands out as a proven long-term solution because it cuts emissions, lowers fuel and maintenance costs and improves fleet reliability.” 

Deliveries of the CNG fuel systems are scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025. 

Volvo Group acquires battery-cell laboratory from NOVO Energy AB 

Volvo Group has acquired a battery-cell laboratory from NOVO Energy AB. Volvo Group notes the acquisition means that it will take over the battery-cell chemistry and material research team and facilities, supporting Volvo Group in the transformation to more sustainable transport solutions. 

The transfer came into effect July 1. Volvo Group notes the laboratory and all staff members will remain in its current facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

“The acquisition means that this top-class competence will remain in Gothenburg and Sweden, strengthening the region’s competitiveness in clean technology,” said Volvo Group CTO Lars Stengvist.  “This is a great opportunity for us to further enhance our competence in battery-cell chemistry and material research areas. It will be a very strong asset to succeed with our strategy towards being 100 percent fossil -free in 2040.”