Tasmanian electric bus trial put on hold due to technical issues

Less than a month after the trial of four new electric buses began in Launceston, state-owned public transport operator Metro Tasmania has confirmed that “teething issues” have put the trial on hold.

Four new Element 2 electric buses, made by New South Wales bus manufacturer Custom Denning, entered operation ahead of Australia Day in Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania, ahead of what was planned as two years of testing and data gathering.

Backed by $6 million in funding from the state’s Liberal government, the trial was set to be run opposite a trial of three hydrogen electric buses in the state’s capital of Hobart.

However, local news outlet Pulse Tasmania reported on Wednesday that the trial of the four new electric buses had been put on hold.

Quoting Metro Tasmania’s CEO Katie Cooper, the “teething issues” were “not unexpected” and that the “issues are mainly associated with software issues and supporting components.

“Importantly, there were no safety issues for staff or customers,” Cooper added. “Metro is working closely with the manufacturer, Custom Denning, to resolve as soon as possible.”

Cooper also told Pulse Tasmania that the buses would renew services once the matters have been resolved.

We have reached out to both Katie Cooper and Custom Denning for further comment.