Electric bus maker defaults on debt, plans to seek CCAA creditor protection

The Lion Electric Co. says it expects to seek protection from creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.

The Quebec-based electric school bus maker says it has defaulted on its debt and is in talks with its senior lenders to obtain additional funds for a new debtor-in-possession credit facility.

It says it plans to restructure its business and pursue a formal sales and investment solicitation process.

The company temporarily laid off 400 employees and shut down production at its Illinois plant earlier this month after getting a two-week reprieve from its lenders to explore its alternatives.

The company said that its 300 remaining employees would focus on bus manufacturing, sales and delivery.

Trading in Lion Electric shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange was halted for failure to maintain exchange requirements.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.

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