Battery electric buses will run along the streets of Launceston as part of the Tasmanian Government’s two-year trial of zero emissions transport options across its network.
Metro Tasmania has tapped Australian company Custom Denning to deliver the battery electric buses. The buses have an electric motor powered by on-board batteries and renewable mains power through special chargers.
The buses have completed their operational induction in Tasmania and are now starting their service.
Custom Denning has partnered with Launceston-based Cromarty to install charging infrastructure at Metro’s Launceston depot.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the State Government acknowledges the significant contribution of the transport sector to the State’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The highly visible buses in Launceston will be followed by three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in Hobart for a three-year trial in mid-2024.
Ferguson emphasised the significance of Metro’s testing of two technologies in Tasmania to determine which one was most suitable for the local conditions.
“The trials, which will include customer feedback, will provide Metro with critical operational information,” he said.
“Buses have a useful life of about 20 years,” he added. “Because these are long-term investment decision, it is important to consider as much relevant information as possible, before making a decision.”
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Roger Jaensch stated that the bus trial was a crucial aspect of the State Government’s efforts to reduce emissions.
“Transport accounts for some 21 per cent of our state-wide emissions, so trialling zero emissions public transport options is an important part of our journey,” he said.
“We look forward to the outcomes of the Zero Emissions Bus Trial, which will provide us with valuable information to inform future investment in our public transport fleet.”
The State Government has committed $6 million for Metro to conduct the battery electric bus trial.
Additionally, the Government approved a $11.3 million investment from the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program to advance a fuel cell electric bus trial.
