UOIT and Ontario Power Generation partner in the drive for a cleaner Ontario

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are driving toward the future of mass transportation with their recent partnership in the restoration of two electric buses. The initiative is the result of a $65,000 donation from OPG to rescue the buses from the rim of the Grand Canyon and transport them to UOIT's campus.

With the generous sponsorship from OPG, UOIT Assistant Professor Dr. Greg Rohrauer negotiated the purchase of the buses and brought them to campus where his research team has worked diligently to resurrect them and is planning a series of upgrades employing the latest technologies to showcase electric vehicle technology, including an advanced interface with the electricity grid. The buses are also being used in an outreach program with local schools and the community in support of UOIT's EcoCAR entry, an advanced vehicle technology competition, and to educate individuals on the importance of alternative fuel sources, the challenges faced and how the innovative research conducted on campus will contribute to this evolution of transit.

"UOIT is pleased to join OPG in this leadership role to advance clean energy solutions and to train the next-generation of professionals who will be required to meet Ontario's future energy needs," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president, UOIT. "Thanks to OPG's generosity, our students will gain even more valuable hands-on experience in this emerging field of research, using the buses as working laboratories."

Poised to represent a new era of clean transportation, plug-in vehicles will be supported in Ontario by a cleaner electricity system that increasingly relies on renewable and low-emission technologies. OPG is dedicated to doing its part to supply clean hydro and nuclear power as it is continually improving its electricity generation mix that will lead to very little carbon-emitting generation after 2014.

"OPG is committed to partnerships - like this electric bus research program with UOIT - that foster an understanding of emerging technologies and provide training for the highly-skilled men and women who will meet Ontario's future energy needs," said Bill Robinson, senior vice-president, Nuclear Refurbishment, OPG. "This investment represents one of many investments we make here in Durham, and elsewhere in Ontario, in support of education and training for our young people."

Previously owned by Grand Canyon National Park, the 25-passenger buses were known as the Hikers' Shuttles and used to transport tourists from the parking lots to the viewing areas and trailhead approximately 20 kilometres away. They remained in daily service until 2004 when the park purchased larger electric shuttles to accommodate the more than five million people who visit annually.

The importance of hybrid vehicle technology and research to the future of the North American automotive market has increased substantially in recent years. UOIT's commitment to innovative research in this area has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and awards, and valued partnerships with esteemed organizations such as OPG and the provincial government.

About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 5,500 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@uoit.ca