Charging electric buses on the go trial gets a helping hand

Trial charging of electric buses on their route has received a boost with a $339,602 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) grant.

Tranzit Group will test the fast drive-through system, known as “opportunity charging”, to demonstrate its viability with the possibility of extending it to cities and regions throughout the country.

The project will build a containerised 450kW opportunity charger with an overhead charge mast and the associated vehicle-mounted equipment for one bus. That will give buses’ batteries an additional charge as they travel through the network, the system based at suitable locations such as bus stops.

Its portability will allow the charger to be taken around the country for demonstrations.

Tranzit recently announced New Zealand-assembled double-decker electric buses will start on Wellington public transport routes next year.

“Opportunity-charging will extend the reach of electric bus networks, getting to more customers and taking them further,” Tranzit managing director Paul Snelgrove says.

He says the project is an important part of meeting public demand for electric vehicles on public transport networks.
Funding for the trial was among 15 projects to get $3 million to increase EV charging facilities and switch more trucks, buses and vans to electric.

The projects are covered under EECA’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund.

Up to half the money for projects is offered through the fund, and applicants must match or exceed the amounts granted.

Applications for the next $3 million funding round close on September 27.