September 25, 2023 – PowerON Energy Solutions reports it has completed installation of the infrastructure for charging new electric shuttle buses that will connect people travelling from Union Station to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)—ahead of time and under budget.

YTZ passenger terminal owner/operator Nieuport Aviation and shuttle bus service provider TOK Group have ordered six (6) Vicinity Lightning electric buses, expected to take to the street in 2024.

“With the introduction of our electric shuttle buses, Nieuport Aviation, in collaboration with PortsToronto, is living our promise of operating a cleaner, greener and quieter Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport,” said Jennifer Quinn, chief strategy and development officer, Nieuport.

This project includes chargers at the main pavilion where the airport’s complimentary shuttle bus picks up/drops off passengers, as well as on the island where the airport terminal is located.

“It’s not just families that are making the switch to electric vehicles: transit operators, municipalities and airports—like Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport—are making the switch to electric buses to get people where they need to go,” said Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Energy.

PowerON commissioned artwork by an Indigenous student artist for the main terminal charger. From left: Warren Askew, vice-president, Airport at PortsToronto; Keegan Tully, managing director, PowerON Energy Solutions; Joe Morse, professor, Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design, Sheridan College; Roma Maré, artist; Stacey LaForme, Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation; Todd Smith, Minister of Energy; Jennifer Quinn, chief strategy and development officer, Nieuport Aviation.

PowerON sets the stage for Billy Bishop’s new electric shuttle buses

PowerON sets the stage for Billy Bishop’s new electric shuttle buses

Once upon a time… the Toronto Island Airport. Source: ©2023 PortsToronto.

PowerON says it also led a successful funding application on behalf of the client to assist with costs.

“Ontario’s clean electricity system has the power to electrify higher-emitting sectors like transportation, and our work on the Billy Bishop Airport shuttles is a great example of that,” said Keegan Tully, managing director, PowerON. “We worked closely with the client to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place and tested ahead of time, enabling a smooth roll-out when the buses arrive.”

A subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, PowerON helps provide charging infrastructure and energy management for all types of fleets, taking on both the construction and operation of the charging infrastructure.