Hybrid trolleys lauded over
Youth climate change organisation Generation Zero has congratulated one of the country’s biggest transport operator for not fitting “dirty diesels” to its ageing fleet of trolley cars.
The group has publicly praised NZ Bus’ recent move to refit Wellington’s trolley cars with electric powertrains and kick off a retro-fitting programme to plug in many of its 1100 buses in the capital and Auckland.
“Electric vehicle technology is here now, and it’s fantastic to see NZ Bus leading the charge,” said its spokesperson, Nina Atkinson.
“Cleaner and quieter electric buses are better for our health, our cities and our climate.”
“Over 2000 people signed our petition to keep Wellington’s buses clean, rather than scrapping the trolley buses for dirty diesels.”
The Infratil-owned bus company will use Wrightspeed electric motors for the trolleys, with petrol-powered range extenders – effectively turning them into plug-in hybrids.
Wrightspeed, owned by high-flying US based tech entrepreneur Ian Wright, says the $ 43m move will give a fuel saving of around 74% over the diesel option.
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