New Zealand’s first electric bus depot opens
New Zealand’s first electric bus depot was unveiled last week, a significant step towards Auckland Transport’s goal of a zero emission bus fleet.
Located on Morrin Rd, Panmure, hidden behind a group of industrial buildings, the depot has 35 buses with chargers to keep them running.
A public transport user can expect a smoother, quieter ride on the electric buses.
The buses are currently running on the Tāmakilink, which services east Auckland and some central routes on Mount Eden Rd and Dominion Rd.
One electric bus on average saves about 5.3 to 6.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions, and their batteries – which are charged overnight – can travel more than 350km a day.
Big guns from Auckland Transport, Vector and New Zealand Bus gathered at the depot on Wednesday last week to officially open the space, and gave reporters a run down on how the fleet would impact Auckland’s carbon emissions.
‘‘This marks a step in our journey towards zero emissions and a zero emission future,’’ Calum Haslop, the chief executive officer of NZ Bus said.
‘‘This depot used to house 44 diesel buses, and now houses – very proudly – 35 electric buses. This is a 100% fully electrified depot. You won’t see diesel tanks anywhere.’’
There are now 155 electric buses on the road throughout New Zealand, with 58 in Auckland.
By the end of this year, there will be more than 100 electric buses in Auckland, with plans to increase the fleet to 175 during the next couple of years.
‘‘Within that time, we will have over 300 zero emission vehicles across New Zealand,’’ Haslop said.
‘‘We are playing a significant role with helping New Zealand achieve its goal of zero emissions.’’
Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker thanked everyone from the various Government
agencies who had taken part in electrifying the depot.
‘‘The future is electric, and that is something we have all got to get our heads around,’’ Baker said.
Auckland Transport decarbonisation manager Darek Koper said that 5.5% of Auckland’s bus fleet was now electric, which he said was ‘‘progress, but there’s more to come’’.
Koper announced a further 44 electric buses would be joining the fleet in New Lynn, which
prompted a cheer from the crowd.
‘‘It’s a great start, but there’s more work to do.
‘‘We are on track to meet our goal of a zero emission fleet of 50% by 2030, and 100% at the latest in 2035,’’ Koper said.
Koper said they had taken a step towards their overall goal, which is to have ‘‘zero fossil fuel streets in the city centre, decarbonise the main part of our city and reduce the harmful impacts of exhaust emissions’’.