Letenda: Electric Bus for Icy Temperatures

New to the portfolio of Canadian bus manufacturer Letenda is the 9 m long Electrip, an electric bus designed specifically for Canadian winter conditions. According to the manufacturer, the development took six years – the electric bus was manufactured at the Letenda plant in Quebec.

“The Electrip is perfect for transit agencies looking to reduce their environmental impact and optimize their operations while moving towards sustainable mobility. Due to its size and innovative design, our product complements the existing range of electric vehicles for public transportation," said Nicolas Letendre, President and CEO of Letenda.

Details

Exact details on the new Letenda electric bus are scarce in the press releases from the involved companies and are not very detailed in parts. For example, Letenda's press release states:

“The Electrip is the first model in the Letenda line and features a redesigned geometry that ensures unparalleled comfort and maneuverability. It is an ultra-light 9-meter mid-size bus with a long range.

The Electrip is modular and predominantly made of aluminum. Depending on the chosen configuration, the low-floor electric bus can accommodate up to 45 passengers, with 24 seats, space for up to 6 wheelchairs, and comes equipped with underfloor heating.

The three Li-NMC batteries, installed under the floor, with a capacity of 222 kWh, can be fast-charged with up to 150 kW in two hours. The U.S.-based engine manufacturer Cummins is responsible for the electric drive, including the batteries, as well as the drivetrain control, drive motor, power electronics, charging control, and connectivity systems, for which no further details have yet been released. From 2023, the Electrip is set to conquer the North American market.