A recent study conducted by researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton suggests that Canada has the potential to transition all buses in the country to electric power at a reasonable cost and minimal impact on power generation. The switch to electric buses nationwide could result in a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study’s authors, Moataz Mohamed and Hatem Abdelaty.
While cost considerations have led to skepticism about electrification, Mohamed, a professor at McMaster’s department of civil engineering, emphasized that public transit is an ideal candidate for electrification due to its scheduled nature and the declining costs of batteries in recent years.
The research team, using publicly available data, projected the costs, electricity requirements, and emission reductions associated with transitioning to electric buses on a national scale. Their findings suggest that approximately 17% more buses would be needed to fully replace current internal combustion engine fleets, with an estimated cost of about $1.94 billion annually.
The study indicates that national bus electrification would necessitate a modest increase in electricity consumption, representing only 0.20% of Canada’s total electricity generation. However, the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transitioning to electric buses would be substantial, decreasing from 1.77 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to 129,747 tonnes.
Although Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) in Hamilton is considering electrification as a future possibility, there are currently no formal plans in place. HSR is closely monitoring advancements in battery electric and hydrogen fuel technologies, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
While upfront costs remain a barrier for HSR, the feasibility of electrification has been demonstrated, leaving the decision in the hands of policymakers. Mohamed suggests that financial incentives and public funding for pilot projects could accelerate the transition to electric buses, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for public transportation in Canada.