The Quebec government is investing nearly $23 million into Canadian motorcoach manufacturer Prevost to accelerate the electrification of its vehicles.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault made the announcement at the manufacturer’s plant in Sainte-Claire, Beauce-Appalaches on April 7.
“This project is promising for our entire electrical industry. Our economic future depends extensively on electrification,” said Legault, in a statement. “Quebec has everything it takes to position itself at the forefront. We have everything that we need to be a leader in the green economy. Now is the time to invest to build a more prosperous, greener, prouder Quebec.”
The funds will support Prevost’s new electrification program. Through this five-year plan, Prevost will develop a new, 100% electric coach, as well as a retrofit kit to convert diesel engines into electric propulsion systems.
Support for project
In support of this project, the government of Quebec, through Investissement Québec, will provide a forgivable loan of $15.15 million. In addition, the Ministry of Environment of Quebec will provide a $7.5 million non-repayable contribution to Prevost.
The new electric coach will offer an autonomy of 248 miles (400 kilometers). A total of 115 jobs will be created during the program, while 650 will be maintained, according to Prevost.
“We are thrilled to be able to count on the support of the Quebec government. The coach market is looking forward to contributing to the fight against climate change, and Prevost is ready to participate and offer an electric powertrain alternative to contribute to this global transformation,” said Francois Tremblay, President of Prevost, part of Volvo Group.
“We are two years away from celebrating Prevost’s 100th anniversary, so what better way to celebrate than by bringing sustainable innovations to the market?” Tremblay said.
Electrification objectives
The government wants to make Quebec a global transportation electrification hub, said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development.
“We will develop a comprehensive industry, from mineral processing to the manufacture of electric vehicles,” Fitzgibbon said.
Supporting Prevost’s electrification efforts will contribute to the transportation electrification objectives set out in the Canadian province’s 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.
“By fostering the development of innovative products in the electric vehicle industry, our government is showing that it is resolutely committed to the climate transition in Quebec,” said Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region.
A boost to the industry
Prevost is one of North America’s largest producers of premium intercity touring coaches and is the world leader in the production of high-end motorhome and specialty conversion coaches. The company has manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, and Plattsburgh, New York.
The government’s investment in Prevost is seen as a way to boost the region’s transportation industry as it transitions to electrification, said Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.
“It marks another step toward making Quebec a leader in the realm of transportation electrification and developing cutting-edge expertise that fosters a sustainable, lower-carbon economy. This will lead to a significant spinoff in the regions and in Quebec overall,” LeBlanc said.
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