Bus maker Ebusco opens Apac HQ in Melbourne

Dutch headquartered Ebusco launched both a right-hand drive version of its 2.2 model and its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Melbourne on Friday, and again raised the possibility that it will set up assembly operations in Australia.

The 2.0 model is a battery electric bus made in 12.5-metre and 18-metre variants, with a range of 450 kilometres.

The bus company, launched a decade ago, said it has over 400 buses on roads around the world which have cumulatively travelled more than 60 million kilometres.

“For the past three years a small team has been working hard in the background to get to this moment today,” said Simon Pearce, Australian Director of Ebusco

“The arrival of the Ebusco 2.2 bus with right-hand drive in Australia is a huge milestone for our company.” 

In a statement, the company characterised the news as “the first steps in its expansion plans for Australia” and cited “the possibility of eventually expanding with local manufacturing focusing on right-hand drive electric buses.”

In announcing a regional partnership with Australian Bus Corporation in mid-2020, the possibility of Ebusco manufacturing in Australia was also dangled.

“Our collaboration with Ebusco supports our broader strategy of collaborating with technology partners who wish to expand into Australasia and localise their production to provide economic benefit to the Australian market and create Australian jobs,” said Managing Director of ABC at the time Christian Reynolds.

A statement from Victorian industry support minister Ben Carroll on Saturday read: “Although Ebusco’s production takes place overseas, the company is considering future manufacturing opportunities in Victoria and is currently working with Deakin University to develop composite materials and aerospace technologies to make its vehicles.”

Picture: Ebusco