The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $4.75 million in funding under the Driving the Nation Fund to help tour and charters operator Tropic Wings roll out electric buses for its Sustainable Transport in Tourism Project.
With the delivery of 12 electric buses, the initiative will assist Tropic Wings in transitioning roughly a third of its fleet to electric.
The ARENA funding will help install 11 electric car chargers, accompanying enabling infrastructure, and two battery energy storage systems (BESS). The BESS aids in the optimisation of required electrical infrastructure upgrades while also providing Tropic Wings with short-term storage of renewable electricity and resilience during storms and emergencies. The project will also encourage deploying numerous EV bus models that have yet to be seen on Australian roads.
Tropic Wings purchased a single, battery-powered bus in 2019, the first of its kind in Australia outside of the public transport sector.
Tropic Wings will integrate the project’s lessons into a strategy for transitioning to battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleets for the tourism sector in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Council.
According to ARENA, small and medium-sized operators face more challenges in shifting to BEVs than larger players. Small businesses are discouraged from electrifying their fleets due to higher upfront vehicle costs, limited existing electrical infrastructure, and restricted access to funding.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the employment of electric buses in the tourism sector on this scale is an Australian first.
“ARENA is glad to see companies like Tropic Wings taking the lead and showing how smaller players can play their part in transitioning the nation’s bus fleet,” Miller stated.
He noted that the challenge of managing around 100,000 buses in Australia, particularly for smaller family-owned businesses, is enormous.
“This is what the Driving the Nation fund is for, supporting companies that are finding solutions and paving the way for zero emissions vehicles on our roads,” he added.
Tropic Wings Director Michael Woodward emphasises the company’s unwavering commitment to regional sustainability.
“We’re committed to sustainability in tourism. Tropic Wings is at the forefront, shifting a substantial part of its fleet to BEVs, reducing carbon footprint, and inspiring others in the industry to embrace electric vehicles for sustainable tourism,” Woodward said.
The Driving the Nation Fund includes $500 million to invest in more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation. ARENA now has an active Focus Area related to Charging Innovation, with $70 million in funding available to encourage innovation in both public charging and charging management.
