Electric bus trial step in right direction - mayor

Two electric buses are set to hit Auckland’s roads in a trial partfunded by the Government.

Auckland Transport has been awarded up to $500,000 for the trial and about $300,000 for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The council-controlled organisation will meet the rest of the cost of the trial, which is expected to start later this year.

The E-Buses will be used across the city on different routes.

Auckland Transport chief metro officer Mark Lambert says modern electric buses had a range of more than 200 kilometres from a single charge.

‘‘We will trial two E-Buses to gather real operating data and to raise public awareness of the technology,’’ Lambert says. ‘‘One of our challenges is to accurately estimate when this technology will meet the needs of our customers and service and route characteristics and also commercial viability.’’

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the trial is a step in the right direction to combat climate change.

‘‘Whether it is trains, buses or cars, electrification of our transport network is key to making Auckland a cleaner more sustainable city.’’

Funding has also been provided to install 60 electric vehicle charging stations at parking facilities around Auckland.