Kinetic unveils NZ’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus

Kinetic New Zealand has unveiled the country’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus, developed in partnership with global automotive group Geely.

The new model, designed specifically for New Zealand’s road and regulatory conditions, will begin service with Environment Canterbury as part of an upcoming trial.

The bus is the first electric double-decker in New Zealand able to meet weight-compliance requirements without a permit. Built using aerospace-grade aluminium technology and developed with world-leading research and safety engineering, the vehicle marks a significant advance in zero-emission public transport.

“This is a game-changer for zero-emission public transport in New Zealand,” Kinetic New Zealand managing director Calum Haslop says.

“By partnering with Geely, we’ve created a vehicle that doesn’t just meet New Zealand’s regulatory standards, it exceeds them. This is what happens when global expertise meets local innovation. It’s lighter, safer, smarter to charge, and designed for the unique challenges of our cities.”

The development programme spanned 18 months and involved four prototypes built to refine performance, safety and compliance. Supported by US$6 million in research and development funding, the project focused on producing a durable, efficient and compliant double-decker suited to New Zealand’s network.

Kinetic’s executive general manager of electrification, Kayne Bass, who led the project, says Geely’s engineering capability was central to the outcome. “The speed of innovation at Geely is astounding,” he says. “Each time we encountered an obstacle, or something didn’t quite work the way we expected, it became a learning and platform for high-velocity development. We had a shared goal of accelerating New Zealand’s low-emissions public transport future, and the result will be transformational for public transport across our urban centres.”

Helena Lee, general manager of JW Group, Geely’s local agent, says New Zealand has some of the most demanding requirements in the world for double-decker EVs.

“No existing double-decker EV platform in the world could meet New Zealand’s Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule limits,” she says.

“This is a machine, purpose-built for New Zealand, engineered for compliance, designed for longevity, and shaped by collaboration between Geely and Kinetic at the highest technical level ever committed by Geely to an overseas project.”

Canterbury Regional Council chair Deon Swiggs says Christchurch is well placed to trial the new vehicle.

“It’s exciting that we’re the first region to host this next-generation electric double-decker,” he says. “Customers can look forward to riding on the new bus on some of our key Metro routes from early next year.”

Key features include:

• First electric double-decker in New Zealand able to meet weight compliance without a permit
• Lightweight aluminium frame and composite body materials
• CATL BC5 Generation II LiFePO4 batteries with a 15-year life guarantee
• Five charging sockets, including four high-capacity fast-charging ports capable of delivering up to 650kW
• Configurable battery options for peak-only or long-range routes
• Deployment in Christchurch as part of an Environment Canterbury trial