Electric buses from now on for Auckland

Any new buses added to Auckland’s commuter fleet are expected to be all-electric.

Auckland Transport aims to have 30 e-buses annually join the city’s fleet to cater for an increasing number of passengers.

They will replace diesel buses reaching the end of their 19-year time limit.

Six e-buses are scheduled to run on Waiheke Island about mid-year, while 12 will be added to the CityLink services – as reported earlier in EVtalk – and nine on the Auckland Airport run early next year.

AT says electrification costs to replace 1360 buses can be met from its budget for the next few years. However, the ramp-up from 2023, when contracts with bus companies are due for renewal, might need additional funding, Stuff reports.

The electrification programme is expected to stop AT’s bus fleet emissions from increasing and improve inner city air quality.

Stuff says transport minister Phil Twyford isn’t working on incentivising a move to e-buses, instead planning other ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

AT and Vector are studying whether any additional investment is needed around power supply and e-bus charging.

Wellington has 10 electric double-deckers, and negotiations by the Greater Wellington Regional Council to add more continue.