Motor Coach Industries (MCI) shipped the first of nine battery-electric coaches built by its Pembina, N.D., facility.

The production of electric coaches is a major milestone for the Pembina facility and follows the NFI Group’s (MCI’s parent company) November 2023 announcement it was continuing operations in North Dakota. 

NFI had originally announced a planned closure by 2025, but after careful deliberations regarding NFI’s North American footprint and the significant improvements in market conditions and demand for MCI coaches saw a path to retain the long-standing Pembina facility.

MCI’s Commitment to Pembina

Over the past nine months, MCI has made significant infrastructure and labor investments in the Pembina facility, which has enabled them to support the completion of electric coaches. 

The infrastructure includes chargers, storage areas, and commissioning areas plus extensive training.

“We are pleased to see these first electric coaches come off the assembly line in Pembina following a significant investment in training and infrastructure to support the transition to zero-emission,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “Thank you to the over 120 team members at Pembina for your determination and dedication to MCI over the past few years and I look forward to welcoming more team members as we continue to service our customers.”