Kinetic powers ahead in Auckland’s electric bus transition

Credit: Kinetic

Kinetic has announced that it has reached a significant milestone in Auckland’s ambitious plan to decarbonise its public bus network. With more than half of the massive bus transformation already complete, the city has become the hub of Australasia’s fastest-growing electric bus fleet.

Over the past two years, Kinetic has electrified four depots in Tāmaki Makaurau, facilitating the introduction of 152 zero-emission buses into Auckland’s public transportation system. This endeavour has positioned Auckland as a trailblazer in the transition to zero-emission transport, with over 100 electric buses now ferrying passengers across the city.

Two fully electric bus depots, including one slated to become the region’s largest all-electric depot in early 2024, are among the infrastructure upgrades supporting this green initiative. The West Auckland facility will power a fleet of 86 electric buses, marking a significant leap towards a more sustainable urban transport system.

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Calum Haslop, Managing Director of Kinetic New Zealand, said: “Our partnership with Auckland Transport is helping the city work towards meeting its climate change targets, while also having an immediate impact on air quality to create a quieter, healthier urban environment for residents. We will continue partnering with governments and councils to help them meet their climate reduction goals, as we strive to meet our own target for a 100% city electric fleet.”

Auckland Transport’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, said: “Our ambition is to get to the point where, come 2035, all vehicles in our city bus fleet are zero emissions at tail pipe. People tell us they want to choose more sustainable forms of transport, and they love and notice the difference travelling on electric buses and feel like they’re making a more sustainable travel choice.”

Kinetic is set to deliver 42 more electric buses to Auckland in early 2024, as well as support the introduction of the city’s first electric double-decker bus. The company’s fleet, comprising 250 zero-emission vehicles, will expand across Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga and Wellington over the next 12 months.