Wellington’s new battery powered buses mark a major step toward a 21stcentury public transport system for the region.
So says Greater Wellington Regional Council chairman Chris Laidlaw at the launch of its new Metlink bus network on July 5.
The new bus network starts on July 15.
“Our electric double-deckers (EVDDs) are wireless buses for a wireless world,” Laidlaw says. “They will be the centrepiece of a world-class bus fleet and a transformed network. They are New Zealand’s first battery powered bus fleet, and we believe they are the first fully electric double-deckers in the southern hemisphere.”
Laidlaw says with 10 new electric buses this year and 32 by 2021 the council is well on its way to achieving a 100% electric bus fleet.
“We have to be ambitious because transport emissions are a significant contributor to climate change.
“For Greater Wellington, a 21stcentury public transport system needs to offer practical daily alternatives to private cars, as well as being genuinely sustainable.
“By early 2019, we’ll have more than 350 new Metlink buses on our roads – that’s 80% of our fleet. They’re built especially for our region and feature modern, efficient, low emissions engines. The council and our four bus companies – Tranzit, NZ Bus, Mana and Uzabus – are investing tens of millions of dollars in buses that are quieter, more spacious and air conditioned.”
An expected increase of four million more passenger trips by 2024 requires an integrated network, Laidlaw says.
“We have to make Metlink buses, trains and ferries work together more smoothly so we can carry more people to more places, more often.”
A range of new fares and ticket types will be introduced to encourage off peak use.
“In a few years it will get even easier for customers when Greater Wellington leads New Zealand in the introduction of a national integrated ticketing scheme, creating a single way to pay on all public transport.”
The EVDDs, built by Kiwi Bus Builders in Tauranga, cost $1 million each and will comprise a fleet of 234 new electric and diesel buses servicing most Wellington and Hutt Valley commuter routes.
The electrics have a 150km range and will be slow charged overnight at Tranzurban’s depot, with fast charging in six to 10 minutes at stations en route.
Each bus, weighs about 12 tonnes, carries up to 82 passengers and generates 320hp with 1500Nm of torque.
Microvast lithium-ion batteries are used, sealed in a fire-safe pouch, and can recharge under regenerative braking to extend the range.
After 10 years the battery still holds about 90% charge capacity and will eventually be repurposed for other uses.
