The Quebec government has moved quickly. Even more concerning, they ordered the immediate removal of as many as 1,200 Lion electric buses from roads after a fire episode on Tuesday. The province does not import these buses for normal transit provision, apart from using them primarily for school transportation. In-use inspectors will focus on them to find any defects that might be unsafe.
Federal officials have said a defect played a role in the fire. The effect of this was that they realized they needed to retract the buses. The government carried out inspections throughout the country during the long weekend. Their extraordinary action underlines their dedication to protecting the safety of their students who rely on these vehicles for everyday transportation.
Lion Electric’s dire financial situation in recent months has raised questions about the company’s solvency and business operations. In May 2025, a consortium of private investors assumed control of Lion Electric. To do that, they intend to shift the entire company’s resources and expertise toward building electric school buses. This strategic change is intended to solidify their competitive advantages in the market and appearance of recovering from long-standing financial woes.
The removal of Lion electric buses from service has had immediate consequences for schools across Quebec, forcing many to cancel bus services. This disruption affects thousands of students and families. They have no choice but to use these transportation resources for their long and strenuous commutes to and from school.
Officials from the Quebec provincial government are not brushing these precautionary measures off, rather stressing that they’re taking the belief that public safety is paramount. These inspections address the root cause of the fire. So, they make sure that every single Lion electric bus passes every safety inspection before returning to operation.
After struggling unsuccessfully in the recent past with some production issues, doubt has been cast over Lion Electric’s operational capacity and reliability. It’s clear this company has a stormy horizon ahead. Their future now depends on the outcomes of those inspections and how successfully they can implement this new strategic direction that their shareholders have mandated.
