New Zealand's first electric bus

"This bus, which was assembled in New Zealand, shows how electric vehicle technology is now moving into the heavy vehicle space," says Liz Yeaman, EECA's Transport Development Manager. The 35 seater bus is part of Auckland University of Technology's (AUT) fleet, servicing the university’s North-City Campus and South-City Campus bus routes.  The electric bus not only provides sustainable transport for hundreds of students every day, it will operate as a research tool providing critical data to understand the economics and performance of electric buses on New Zealand roads. Through the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund which promotes  innovation and ideas in low emission vehicles, EECA is supporting this venture to create awareness and influence change in the sector. The $738,500 funding from Tranzit Group and the Government’s Low Emissions Vehicle Contestable Fund covered the cost of the development and build, charging infrastructure, and the upskilling of Kiwi engineers. Kiwi Bus Builders in Tauranga constructed the body of the bus, with electric engines and chassis built by Times Electric Group in China. Applications for the current round of contestable funding are open until 11 April.