In an exciting development for sustainable transportation, a Quebec company is proving that innovation doesn't always mean going bigger—sometimes it means finding the perfect fit. Letenda, a fresh face in the electric vehicle sector, has developed the "Electrip," a 30-foot electric midibus that addresses a long-overlooked need in North American public transit.

For years, transit agencies have faced an awkward choice: deploy large 40-foot buses that often run half-empty, or use smaller shuttles that quickly become overcrowded. Letenda recognized this "Goldilocks problem" and created a solution that's just right. Their midibus is ideal for suburban routes, airport shuttles, and university campuses—places where flexibility and efficiency matter most.

What makes the Electrip particularly impressive is how it embraces Canadian winters rather than merely surviving them. The bus features ingenious cold-weather optimizations like radiant floor heating and heated windshields, which consume far less energy than traditional HVAC systems. This isn't just smart engineering—it's a testament to designing for real-world conditions. As the saying goes, if it works in a Canadian winter, it'll work anywhere.

The technical specifications showcase thoughtful design throughout. With a battery capacity ranging from 222 to 296 kWh and 150 kW fast charging capability, the bus can fully recharge in approximately two hours. It comfortably accommodates up to 45 passengers with seating for 24, plus space for six wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for all riders. A rear-wheel steering system dramatically improves maneuverability, making tight urban navigation a breeze—a feature that bus drivers are sure to appreciate.

What's particularly encouraging about Letenda's approach is their strategic wisdom. Rather than attempting to build a massive manufacturing empire from scratch, they've partnered with an assembly facility in Windsor, Ontario. This "asset-light" strategy, combined with their focus on perfecting a single product, demonstrates the kind of disciplined thinking that builds lasting companies. They're collaborating with Rio Tinto on a modular aluminum chassis structure, leveraging expertise rather than reinventing every wheel.

The company isn't just promising future results—they're already proving their concept works. Coast Mountain Bus Company in Vancouver completed a successful 3,000-kilometer test drive in early 2025, praising the bus's maneuverability and reliability. Montreal's Exo transit authority tested the vehicle through both winter and summer conditions, achieving impressive energy efficiency. Most encouraging of all, Montreal's YUL Airport has become their launch customer with a significant order, showing genuine market confidence.

Letenda's roadmap is ambitious yet realistic: five buses in 2027, scaling to 78 units by 2030. They're currently seeking financing to achieve these goals, and their focused approach makes them an attractive prospect for investors seeking sustainable opportunities in the electric vehicle sector.

This venture represents more than just another electric bus company. It's an example of how Canadian innovation is finding smart, sustainable solutions to real transportation challenges. By identifying an underserved market segment and designing specifically for the conditions where they'll operate, Letenda is showing that the future of electric transit is bright, practical, and ready for whatever weather comes its way.