Summary
- The 2024 National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane featured a variety of buses, with a focus on battery electric vehicles.
- Volgren is partnering with Marcopolo Group and Yutong to introduce the Volgren Optimus/Yutong E12 Battery Electric Bus to the Australian market.
- Brisbane Metro is introducing electric buses in preparation for the 2032 Olympics.
- Various regions in Australia are transitioning to electric buses to reduce emissions, including New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia.
- New Zealand has introduced electric double-decker buses, joining the growing trend of electric buses in the region.
Article
The 2024 National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane showcased a variety of buses, with a focus on battery electric vehicles. Only 0.2% of buses on Australian roads are electric, but this is expected to change. Volgren, in partnership with Yutong and Marcopolo Group, is introducing the Volgren Optimus/Yutong E12 Battery Electric Bus to the Australian market. The Brisbane Metro is also transitioning to electric buses in preparation for the 2032 Olympics, with plans for a greener city. The Yutong E12, built in Victoria, can carry up to 70 passengers and achieve a range of up to 360 km with a battery capacity of 350kWh. Future models will have larger battery capacities and be capable of charging from CCS2 and pantographs.
In regional New South Wales, a successful trial of battery electric buses has been hailed a success by school children, with plans to replace the diesel and CNG bus fleet entirely by 2050. Victoria has opened its first electric bus depot in Melbourne, with plans for 27 electric buses operated by Ventura. This is part of a state-wide plan to reach net zero by 2045. The Australian Capital Territory is aiming for zero emissions by 2040, with 23 buses in the fleet already transitioning to battery electric. Western Australia is also investing in electric buses, with 130 buses and charging infrastructure funded by the governments.
South Australia has launched its first electric bus in Adelaide, joining the fleet of electric hybrid buses in operation. New Zealand has introduced electric double-deckers, with plans for more to join the fleet. The future of public transport in Australia and New Zealand looks bright and electric, with a shift towards zero emissions vehicles contributing to a sustainable future. The growing adoption of electric buses demonstrates a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner transportation options. Overall, the transition to electric buses is gaining momentum in both countries, with plans to replace diesel fleets in the near future.
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