Gantry charging powers 31 new Auckland e-buses

Auckland Transport (AT) and bus operator Kinetic have completed major upgrades at Kinetic’s Glenfield depot to support a growing electric fleet, including seven new ground-mounted chargers and a first-of-its-kind large-scale overhead gantry charging system.

The project, delivered in partnership between Kinetic and AT, enables the roll-out of 31 brand-new zero-emission buses (ZEBs). Kinetic says the overhead system is 25% more space-efficient than traditional ground-mounted points, allowing more vehicles to be charged within the existing site.

Calum Haslop, managing director of Kinetic New Zealand, says the upgrade showcases innovation in Auckland’s public transport network. “The introduction of 31 new zero emission buses to our Glenfield depot marks another important step in the evolution of Auckland’s public transport network. What makes this milestone particularly exciting is the integration of an overhead gantry charging system, which allows us to charge multiple vehicles efficiently, safely, and at scale within our existing depot footprint.

“This level of innovation is essential as we help cities like Auckland transition to fully zero emission fleets. It’s not just about adding more zero emission buses to the road, it’s about designing smarter infrastructure and operating models that can support the future of public transport.

“We’re proud to partner with Auckland Transport to bring these solutions to life, and to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more reliable journeys for the communities we serve today and, into the years ahead.”

Glenfield is the fifth Kinetic depot in Auckland to be electrified, joining New Lynn (billed as Australasia’s largest all-electric bus depot), Panmure, Māngere and Kinetic’s City depot. The five sites now service 174 ZEBs. Kinetic says its electrified depots use technology to reduce burden on the grid, with buses typically charged off-peak overnight via individual DC chargers.

AT’s director of public transport and active modes, Stacey van der Putten, says the upgrades support AT’s Mission Electric programme. “We’re focused on providing Auckland’s communities with a transport system that is reliable, safe, reduces emissions and minimises impacts on air quality and the environment.

“These new buses will be used on a range of Auckland Transport bus routes, including routes 82, 923 and 924, which will be entirely operated by zero emission buses from later this year.

“Right now, Auckland has more zero emission buses than any other city in Australasia. The addition of these 31 new buses, and the associated electric infrastructure, will help us to achieve a fully zero emission bus fleet by 2035, following our Low Emission Bus Roadmap.”

AT has an operational emissions-reduction target of 50% by 2031 from a 2022 baseline. According to Kinetic, 19% of Auckland’s bus fleet is now zero-emission, and Kinetic operates the majority—174 of the city’s 255 zero-emission buses, or about 68%.