07:47 AM EDT, 05/17/2024 (MT Newswires) -- NFI Group ( NFYEF ) said on Friday that its subsidiary New Flyer Industries Canada won a contract to supply 33 next-generation Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot battery-electric buses to BC Transit, which oversees municipal transit services in British Columbia.

According to NFI, New Flyer's Xcelsior CHARGE NG bus includes high-energy batteries, advanced protective battery packaging for easy installation, and a lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.

BC Transit is expanding its fleet of low-carbon buses, with the goal to transition to an entirely electric fleet by 2040.

NFI said over 600 vehicles operating under BC Transit's fleet are from NFI subsidiaries, including New Flyer, Alexander Dennis and ARBOC.

"The next-generation battery-electric buses included in this purchase incorporate our latest technology advancements, but they also share a high level of commonality with the Xcelsior buses already operated by BC Transit which will streamline training and maintenance requirements as the agency transitions to a greener fleet," said Chris Stoddart, NFI's president for North American bus and coach.

NFI's share price dropped 1.3% yesterday to nearly $15.50.