Latest news with #NobleNorthern
CTV News
28-05-2025
- CTV News
RRC Polytech unveils school bus converted from diesel to electric power
School buses could soon be running on greener energy thanks to new technology from RRC Polytech. School buses in Manitoba could soon be running on greener energy, thanks to a technology developed at RRC Polytech. The college showed off a school bus that had been converted from a diesel engine to an electric one with the help of a conversion kit developed at the college. Jojo Delos Reyes, a program manager at RRC Polytech, said the technology could help school divisions save money in the long run on maintenance. 'Right now, the cost of buying a new electric school bus is between $370,000 to about $430,000 Canadian, compared to buying a diesel counterpart, which is about $150,000,' he said. 'The conversion kit that we developed for this one is about the same price as a new diesel bus, but the benefit is maintenance cost is lower, and then emissions is lower.' RRC electric bus A school bus converted from diesel to electric power is seen at RRC Polytech campus in Winnipeg on May 27, 2025. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg) RRC electric bus A school bus converted from diesel to electric power is seen at RRC Polytech campus in Winnipeg on May 27, 2025. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg) The project is a partnership between RRC, Seven Oaks School Division and Noble Northern. The division provided a bus in 2023 to RRC's heavy equipment mechanic program to help convert the bus. Reyes said the conversion kit can also help school buses last longer, noting the average school bus has a lifespan of 12 years on the road. 'What we're trying to do here is we're trying to extend the life of a school bus chassis in order for it to be more beneficial,' he said. Reyes said the conversion kit will also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 21.6 tonnes per year, and reduce fuel costs by up to $11,000. The college is hoping governments will amend laws to make converting school buses easier for divisions.
Winnipeg Free Press
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
School bus converted to electric ready to ride
Red River College Polytech unveiled Manitoba's first low-carbon school bus converted from diesel power to electric on Tuesday. The conversion kit — the result of a collaborative project involving RRC Polytech's vehicle technology and energy centre, Noble Northern and Seven Oaks School Division — was funded by the province and the Canadian Shield Foundation. The project began in August 2023, when Seven Oaks provided a bus for conversion. RRC Polytech said in a news release that retrofitting an already-owned diesel bus is more than $100,000 cheaper than buying a new Type C electric school bus, even when including labour costs. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS A view under the hood of Manitoba's first low-carbon school bus converted from diesel to electric power. 'The benefits of converting just one bus also include saving up to $11,000 in fuel costs and reducing 21.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per school year,' the release said. Wednesdays A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future. Other advantages include lower maintenance costs and less air and noise pollution. fpcity@
