Video: Auckland’s first e-bus fleet on Waiheke

The first six of eight electric buses bought by Fullers360 are now in operation on Waiheke Island. 

They were unveiled on November 10 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a blessing by local iwi.

Fullers360 subsidiary Waiheke Bus Company began operating the buses in October on behalf of Auckland Transport. 

The BYD ADL Enviro200EVs models were supplied by Alexander Dennis and were built to the new length of 11.6m with two additional seats and increased legroom for 37 passengers. 

They are expected to reduce around 538 metric tonnes of CO2 per year and service the existing Auckland Transport Waiheke Island route. 

They can travel up to 400km on a single charge and will be charged and stored at the Waiheke bus depot.

The vehicles make Waiheke Island the first suburb in Auckland to operate an electric bus fleet with the aim to have 100% emissions free public transport by 2030. 

The other two electric buses will join the fleet in December and the remaining nine diesel buses in the 17-strong fleet will be replaced as they reach their end of life.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff, who attended the launch event at Waiheke’s Wild Estate, says it’s great to see the buses enter service. 

“This is a real milestone for Waiheke, and a big step forward in Auckland’s plan to create a greener and more sustainable city,” Goff says.

“Transport accounts for over 40% of Auckland’s overall carbon emissions. Working towards a low-emissions public transport network and providing alternatives to private vehicles is an essential part of reducing our impact on global warming and heading off a climate change disaster.”

The buses also feature art from local youngsters as part of a competition run by Fullers360 and Auckland Transport. Residents aged five to 18 were asked to illustrate a zero emissions future on the island.

The competition received over 60 entries and the six winning artworks are now being displayed on the back of each of the new buses. Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick revealed the winners. 

Auckland Transport chief executive Shane Ellison says the buses signal a new era of transport. 

“We know that Waiheke residents share our goal of a greener future. At Auckland Transport, we recognise that how we get around day to day can have significant impacts on our environment and community. 

“This is why we are working with our partners like Fullers360 to deliver safe, innovative and sustainable transport for Auckland. Sustainability is already at the core of our business. As part of the Low Emissions Roadmap, Auckland Transport plans to only procure low emission buses from 2025 and have a full low emission fleet by 2040,” Ellison says.

Fullers360 chief executive Mike Horne says his company aims to “operate an environmentally friendly transport service on and off the water”.

“Despite the impacts of COVID-19, Fullers360 remains steadfast in our ambition to grow a larger, more effective, and sustainable transport network.”