Christchurch e-bus service takes off

Auto Media Group was at the Electric Red Bus launch in Christchurch on June 28.

Three electric buses will replace three diesel buses on the popular 29 route from the bus terminal to the airport.

As reported by EVtalk, the public can try the e-buses before they go into operational service on July 1. Various council members and Auto Media Group were the very first group of people to ride the electric bus.

“I’m really delighted we got there,” Red bus chief executive Paul McNoe says. “It’s been a three-year exercise. I’m just delighted.”

McNoe says when places overseas uptake e-buses, they typically see a 5-10% increase in patronage, and he hopes this can be repeated in Christchurch.

“If people go on and really enjoy it, then why not?”

“There’s more noise talking on the bus than the bus itself!”

McNoe says from an environmental perspective, it’s a fantastic solution. He is optimistic that, over time, we will be able to replace all diesel buses with e-buses.

“Technology is clearly developing, so prices of batteries will come down. It’s a bit like cell phones and computers over time – every two years, you buy a new computer and it’s half the price of the previous one.”

One of the main reasons route 29 was chosen was because it is a flat route. McNoe says they will look into trialling these electric buses in other services, like up in the hills and see how the consumption is different.

Christchurch city central is fairly flat, but the hills on the outskirts are quite steep.

“I think it’s fantastic we’ve got the whole service running in Christchurch,” McNoe says. “It goes with the new facilities, new city.”

The bus will have free WiFi, and other services are in the works.

McNoe will be using the buses as a learning process, and says the company sees the e-buses as a bold step into the future.

“We think electric is where the future will go, in terms of bus services, at least within the next 10-15 years,” McNoe says.

It costs about $30-35 every day to recharge an e-bus, compared to around $100 for fuel on a diesel bus.

McNoe is looking forward to hearing feedback from bus goers.