Kinetic to add new electric buses to Christchurch’s Go Bus Fleet

Credit: Kinetic

Kinetic has announced that it is set to bolster its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of 10 additional electric buses into its Go Bus fleet. These zero-emission buses are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the quality of public transportation in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The new electric buses will serve various local routes, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles, as well as contributing to a significant reduction in emissions from the city’s bus services. This development is made possible due to additional funding awarded to Environment Canterbury by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, supporting the transition toward a more sustainable urban Metro fleet.

With the inclusion of these 10 electric buses, Kinetic’s city fleet will grow to 51 battery electric vehicles, representing over 25% of its local bus fleet. The move aligns with the company’s broader vision of achieving a 100% zero-emission fleet throughout New Zealand and Australia by 2035.

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“Reducing our carbon footprint is a priority at Kinetic,” said Kinetic NZ Managing Director Calum Haslop. “So far this year, our 41 electric buses in Christchurch alone have saved over two million tonnes of CO2 emissions. We are working with other councils around the country to further leverage this special Waka Kotahi funding, so expect to see more electric buses on the road across New Zealand.”

Environment Canterbury Chair Peter Scott expressed his delight in securing the funding for Christchurch, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to reducing emissions, “This is a continuation of the work we have already been doing in this space – currently, 20% of our fleet is zero emissions.”

Christchurch residents can anticipate the arrival of these new electric buses on the roads by 2024. Kinetic‘s commitment to sustainability extends beyond New Zealand, with plans to expand its electric bus fleet to 1,000 vehicles globally in 2023. Its operations in Australia, the UK, Europe and Singapore are all part of its ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2035, which includes transitioning to a 100% electric fleet.