The number of zero emission battery electric buses operating across Queensland’s network will more than double this year, as the state government announced plans to add another 40.
Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey announced on Wednesday that 40 battery electric buses will be progressively launched throughout the remainder of the year in Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Redland Bay, and on the Sunshine Coast.
These buses more than double the 25 battery electric buses that are currently operating in Yarrabilba, Redland Bay, Cairns, and on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
“We are getting on with the job of rolling out more sustainable buses in Queensland to meet our zero-emissions targets,” Mr Bailey said.
“We’re doing this right now which is supporting more electric buses to hit the road, but we’re also planning for the future and looking to build more zero emissions buses here.
“Earlier this year we announced that we’d be looking to manufacturer more zero emissions buses right here in Queensland, and the feedback we’ve had from industry has been incredibly strong.”
The new buses will be rolled out by four different operators.
Keolis Downer will launch 16 battery electric buses on Hornibrook Bus Lines’ network covering Moreton Bay, which will operate out of a new all-electric bus depot built in North Lakes.
Transdev is already rolling out 17 battery electric buses in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs, while Kinetic will roll out six new buses over the next few months on the Sunshine Coast. Finally, a pair of electric buses built at Volgren’s manufacturing facility at Eagle Farm will begin operating on the Spring Hill Loop.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.