BYD Canada has been awarded an order for zero emission, battery-electric buses by WESTCOAST Sightseeing and the first to commit to having a 100 percent clean-energy fleet by 2023. Battery and Electric Vehicle Pioneer BYD is the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries, and the overwhelming global leader in battery-electric buses.
The largest private bus operator in Vancouver, WESTCOAST Sightseeing has agreed to work exclusively with BYD on converting their entire fleet of 90 buses, which will include open top buses, double decks and singles and others. WESTCOAST Sightseeing will also work with city to develop charging infrastructure that will not only benefit WESTCOAST but many other companies that want to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and climate impact.
“Our business is built around the natural beauty of our home and we are especially conscious of the impact our day-to-day operations has on the environment,” said Rob Safrata, chief executive officer of WESTCOAST Sightseeing. “We are proudly working towards a greener and more sustainable future. And adding electric buses and boats is the first step to achieve our goal in 2023 of becoming the first Sightseeing firm in Canada with 100 percent electric vehicles.” WESTCOAST Sightseeing recently added Electric Harbour tours to its line of sightseeing products, providing the first Harbor tour on a 100% electric boat in Vancouver.
The BYD battery-electric buses will make an immediate improvement to air quality and noise levels for the B.C. region. These buses alone will deliver a reduction in carbon emissions of some 4,500 Metric Tons of carbon emissions per year based on EPA standards.
“CEO Rob Safrata has long held a clean energy vision and we are excited to be working with him,” said BYD Canada’s Vice President Ted Dowling. “This aligns perfectly with the recent announcement by British Columbia Premier John Horgan for the need to find other ways to reduce emissions.”
