Transdev in Melbourne recently showcased Victoria’s first locally built, fully electric bus to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll announcing the bus had saved 61.6 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in its first 300 days of service compared with a standard diesel bus.
Being tested in Melbourne in partnership with the Victorian Government, the electric bus broke a project record, travelling nearly one thousand kilometers on just two charges, demonstrating the efficiency and range of the 324 kWH of Lithium Phosphate batteries.
The trial has also demonstrated the significant cost saving potential of electric vehicles when comparing the energy costs to charge the electric bus to the fuel costs for a standard Euro 5 model bus.
We’re proud to be the leading operator of zero-emission buses globally. The electric bus has delivered some impressive results so far and the Melbourne trial is delivering some useful insights which help inform what a zero-emission bus operation in Victoria could look like. The feedback from passengers has been very positive and we are looking forward to being able to showcase this technology to more Victorians.
Ian Craig, Managing Director of Transdev Melbourne
In early October the electric bus, which has clocked up more than 32,900 kilometers, began phase two of the trial – switching from Route 246 between Elsternwick and Clifton Hill to Route 251 between the City (Queen St) and Northland Shopping Centre.
Route 251 was selected because it is a high frequency route with buses departing every 20 minutes allowing comparison between the performance of other models of standard diesel buses.
The route also offers a range of traffic conditions ensuring the bus is able to perform in different operating environments and is close to Transdev’s North Fitzroy depot allowing the bus to return to the depot for recharging and maintenance.
The trial has been extended until 31 October 2021 and will provide valuable insights for the potential of introducing electric buses across the network.
The Victorian Government also demonstrated its support for electric buses announcing $20 million for a three-year trial of zero emission buses across Victoria.