Comfort Delgro trials electric and hydrogen powered buses

Public transport operator ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) is to trial eight zero-emission buses on Melbourne roads in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport.

The Singapore company will operate the vehicles in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and CBD as part of the state’s three-year Zero Emission Bus Trial, a part of meeting the state’s commitment to zero net emissions by 2050.

ComfortDelGro subsidiary CDC Victoria will begin with the deployment of one battery-electric bus at its Oakleigh depot in November this year, operating initially on routes 601 and 630 covering Huntingdale Station, Monash University, Gardenvale Station and Ormond Station.

The remaining seven ‘virtually silent, and emissions-free’ battery-electric buses will be gradually rolled out across the three-year trial.

CDC is investing in six charging outlets at the Oakleigh Depot with a further two installed at the Monash University Bus Interchange for in-field charging to maintain the range of the vehicles and better understand operational requirements.

The trial is being run in collaboration with Volvo and Volgren to manufacture the vehicles, ENGIE to supply charging infrastructure, Monash University for offsite ‘top-up’ charging infrastructure and TSA Advisory for project support.

ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia CEO Nicholas Yap said: “For some time now, CDC has been investing in different zero-emission vehicle technologies.

“We have recently announced our foray into hydrogen powered fuel cell electric buses and will be launching two in Geelong in late 2023.”

Victorian Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the statewide trial will be pivotal in the transition to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable transport network.

“Creating a greener fleet is part of our Bus Plan to develop a more modern and reliable network that will attract more people to the convenience of buses.”

Mechanics will also be upskilled to effectively maintain the vehicles.

Picture: ComfortDelGro

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