A trial of zero-emission buses to start in the coming months in Victoria, with the Budget 2020-21 committing $20 million to investigate solutions to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet.
The Zero Emissions Bus Trial will run over three years, trialling different technologies on buses right across the state – with an expression of interest for companies to begin soon.
The trial will support the Victorian economy with a boost to the transport equipment manufacturing and electricity supply sectors, driving the local development of skills and innovation and contributing to regional economies where some existing manufacturers are already established.
Achieving zero emissions across the bus fleet is critical to Victoria meeting its legislated commitment of zero net emissions by 2050 – and bus operators across the state are already playing their part in investigating this technology.
There are currently 48 hybrid buses operating in Victoria, and the State’s first fully electric bus is also being trialled – which, in 300 days on the road, has saved 61 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The electric bus is currently in its second trial phase, clocking up more than 32,900 kilometres and travelling nearly 1,000 kilometres on just two charges, demonstrating the efficiency and range of its 324 kW Lithium Phosphate batteries.
To explore opportunities for investing in Victoria’s new energy industry, contact us.
