Reconnecting with EV’s – My Return to Work

After 54 weeks away from work with my maternity leave, I am getting back into the world of electric vehicles, clean energy, and electrification, among other topics! In addition to getting re-familiarized with the projects that happen within the walls of NB Lung, but I have largely existed these past 12 months without hearing a lot of news in this area. So, I am catching up on what new innovations, policies, and releases have happened lately as well!

However, not all the news I’ve heard has been positive.

Some sad news that has happened in the last year:

• The EV rebate in NB has ended as of July 2025
• The EV rebate federally is paused indefinitely
• Electric school buses were pulled for inspection in fall 2025 due to vehicle fires

But many more exciting things have happened!

• Women in EVs was launched in Canada in October 2025
• New EV models available and announced (like the 2027 Chevy Bolt & more)
• More electric micro-mobility options available- motorcycles, ATVs, ski-doo’s, and more
• The Atlantic Canada Electric School Bus feasibility study is finished and has been released and outlines how we can electrify the school bus fleets in NB, NS, and NFLD
• Ongoing studies on increasing the usefulness of electric buses, leveraging V2G technology to support our grid
• NB State of the Province address: commitment to 100% Electric School Bus fleet by 2035

While it’s been discouraging to hear about the real issues that are still happening in the rollout of ESBs on the road. However, a recent report confirmed that with current ESB ranges, most bus routes in NB can be switched to electric buses. Even though there are bugs that need to be improved for more ESBs to be on the road, I am encouraged that there are bus operators, manufacturers, and advocates who are working on these issues and finding solutions. These people are dedicated to the health and safety of our students, bus drivers, and wider communities, who want them to experience clean air on the drive to school. 

If you want to be a part of the work we do at NB Lung to support ESB uptake in New Brunswick, check out our advocacy page and add your name to our letter holding the Provincial government to their commitment to electrify the school bus fleet by 2035.