Double deck e-bus launched by Tranzit

New Zealand transport and tourism company The Tranzit Group launches its new urban double deck electric bus at the Bus and Coach Annual Conference in Auckland October 1-3.

The three-axle electric bus, designed by Tranzit Group’s specialists with the chassis built in China through bus partner CRRC and the body built in Malaysia through partner Gemilang, is believed to be the first of its kind, after modifications were made to a similar prototype that landed in New Zealand last year.

It is on display to Thursday October 3 at the conference, then will head south to service passengers on the BUSIT network run by the Waikato Regional Council.

The double deck e-bus will join Tranzit’s other fleet of single deck electric buses already connecting people from Cambridge and Kihikihi to Hamilton.

The new e-bus will help improve the passenger experience, says The Tranzit Group’s transport and operations director Keven Snelgrove.

“We are excited to be introducing brand-new double deck electric buses into Waikato later this month and then more into Auckland next year,” he says.

“They will help provide a quiet, safe, comfortable and smooth service for our passengers as well offer extras such as being able to charge their phones as they travel. “The extra seating will also help future proof the routes as patronage grows.”

The e-bus is the first of 26 of the same double deck model Tranzit is bringing into the country as part of contracts with the Waikato Regional Council and Auckland Transport (AT).

The new double deck electric buses have 508kW CATL batteries providing more than 350km range, says Tranzit, adding the e-bus has capacity for 80 seated and 20 standing passengers along with a wheelchair space.

Passengers will be able to charge their phones via wireless charging and USB A and C ports, stay cool through air conditioning and enjoy subtle design and safety features that allow extra natural light into the stair well and more grab handles, the company says.

Waikato e-buses will be charged at Tranzit’s depots operated by the Waikato Regional Council while the buses that will run on the WX1 route in West Auckland from April 2025 will be charged at Tranzit Group’s new Auckland depot near Westgate. This will be equipped with three 480kW chargers, enabling buses to be charged under two hours, says Tranzit which will have 26 electric double decks and 18 single decks, and significant investment into charging infrastructure in Auckland.

Tranzit, in partnership with Horizons Regional Council, introduced earlier this year what it says is the country’s first 100% electric bus fleet with 43 electric buses operating in Palmerston North.

The company also introduced new single deck electric buses to Cambridge, Kihikihi and Taupo; into New Plymouth in partnership with the Taranaki Regional Council and already operates more than 40 New Zealand-built electric buses in Wellington in partnership with Metlink.