BC Ferries launching first wave of hybrid electric vessels | CBC News
The six new vessels, known as Island Class ferries, use
diesel fuel to generate electricity that is stored in batteries on
board and they are all expected to be in operation by 2022, with the
first two expected to be in service in 2020.
The
first two boats to launch will run between Powell River and Texada
Island and from Port McNeill to Alert Bay and Malcolm Island. The next
four will be in the water by 2022 and will run between Campbell River
and Quadra Island and between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island.
According
to BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins, the boats are just the beginning of a
long-term plan to have the company’s entire fleet powered by
electricity, including the longer routes between Vancouver Island and
the mainland.