South Australia’s first electric bus charging hub – featuring 60 new charging stations – has powered up at the Morphettville Bus Depot in Adelaide, supporting Adelaide Metro’s growing fleet of 55 electric buses.
The $9 million upgrade to the Morphettville Bus Depot was officially switched on last Friday by Adelaide Metro, the state government’s manager for Adelaide’s public transport system, and Transit Systems, Australia’s largest bus operator which, as Torrens Transit, operates bus services across much of Adelaide.
As Adelaide Metro’s first dedicated electric bus charging hub, the Morphettville Bus Depot features enough charging stations to recharge all the electric buses purchased by the state government.
The South Australian government ordered 60 new battery electric buses in March, 2025 which would be supplied by Swedish manufacturer Scania and built by Australian bus manufacturer Volgren.
Each bus has seating for 41 passengers and can travel more than 300 kilometres on a single charge.
So far, 55 of the 60 buses are already in service across the network, with the final 5 to be entered into service this month.
Six electric buses just entered service on the Mount Barker on-demand bus route, which services residents in Mount Barker, Nairne, and Littlehampton.
Together, the 60 buses are expected to avoid 4,500 tonnes of carbon emissions each year compared to the ageing diesel and gas buses they are replacing, equivalent to the emissions of over 1,500 homes.
This still leaves nearly 900 fossil fuel-powered buses in operation across the state government-owned fleet, leaving the state government a long road to travel on their way to fulfilling its emission reduction target of at least 60 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
“With these buses now on the road and servicing the communities, this is yet another step we’re taking as a Government to commit to a greener future for all, in our aim of reaching net zero by 2050,” said Joe Szakacs, state minister for infrastructure and transport.
“And not only are these buses more environmentally friendly, they’re a better ride. The electric buses are quieter, smoother and newer, delivering a better experience for South Australian commuters.”
The South Australian government has developed business cases for the transition of its bus and train fleets to zero tailpipe emissions which it intends to present to Infrastructure Australia, the Australian Government’s independent advisor on nationally significant infrastructure investment planning and project prioritisation, for funding consideration.
Designs are also progressing for the installation of charging infrastructure at the Mile End Bus Depot in Adelaid’s inner west.
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