Apr 9, 2014

Li-ion maker Enerdel and B3G partnering to supply traction batteries to Lion Bus for electric school buses 9 April 2014 Quebec-based B3CG Interconnect Inc., a manufacturer of harness assemblies and electromechanical components, has partnered with EnerDel Inc., a supplier of lithium-ion batteries, to develop and manufacture traction batteries for Lion Bus Inc., Canadian school bus producer. The Quebec Ministry recently awarded Lion Bus a project to develop an all-electric school bus. The project is part of the Transportation Electrification Strategy promoted by the Canadian Government, which aims to introduce more than 10,000 all-electric vehicles on Québec roads by 2017. The all-electric school bus market in Canada is estimated to be more than 250 buses annually. Each 72-seat vehicle will feature composite body materials and an advanced electric power-train equipped with more than 100 kWh of lithium-ion batteries. The system will allow an expected range of more than 50 miles, sufficient to travel the typical school bus route. The main battery components, including EnerDel’s newest high-density Moxie+ modules and Secure+ Battery Management System, will be built by EnerDel in Indiana, US. The final battery and wiring harness assembly will be completed by B3CG in Quebec. The first prototype battery system components have been delivered and are being prepared for system integration and vehicle testing. Start of series production, and first vehicles introduction to regular service, is planned in 2015.