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Four new electric buses are being introduced to Winnipeg Transit’s fleet after a successful prototype was used by Manitoba Hydro.

The battery-electric, heavy-duty Xcelsior buses have been shuttling Hydro employees from their Taylor Avenue office to the new downtown location on Portage Avenue.

“Testing a new unique on-route rapid charging system, which is the first in Canada, and moving the electric bus into regular service is a tremendous step forward for clean, green technology that is already catching the eye of various North American transit authorities,” said Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers.

The made-in-Manitoba buses — manufactured at Winnipeg’s New Flyer Industries — were tested extensively and have now passed the real-world test of operating in Winnipeg winter conditions.

A charging station on Taylor Avenue can quickly recharge the ultra-quiet bus in about 20 minutes.

The prototype bus will remain on loan to Winnipeg Transit until all four new electric buses have completed the testing phase.

The Manitoba government, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Manitoba Hydro each contributed $1 million toward developing the prototype electric bus.

Video courtesy Red River College