Queensland to build first electric bus depot, buy new e-buses

The Queensland government is to build the state’s first electric bus depot and has ordered 16 new e-buses to be built on the Gold Coast.

As part of the state’s push to source only renewably powered buses from 2025, Keolis Downer will also create the state’s first 100 per cent electric bus depot in North Lakes at the home of Hornibrook Bus Lines under a $15.6 million deal.

Manufacturer BusTech will also build 16 new e-buses (pictured) at its Gold Coast plant in what is the state’s biggest rollout of electric buses according to transport minister Mark Bailey.

“These buses will be built right here in Queensland, at BusTech on the Gold Coast.

“The Palaszczuk Government has made a commitment that by 2025 every new urban bus we add to the fleet in SEQ will be zero-emissions, by 2030 we’ll roll that out to the rest of the urban fleet – and of course we want them to be built here in Queensland.

“This agreement gives us a good head start because the first bus is due to arrive at Hornibrook’s North Lakes depot by the end of next year.”

The investment is expected to support 150 jobs over the next two years, and pump $17 million into the local economy.

A full electric depot means reduced noise and no diesel emissions for the community, and saves 13,846 tons of carbon emissions over the life of the buses.

BusTech Group Executive Chairman Christian Reynolds said: “BusTech Group is delighted to partner with Keolis Downer to deliver Australian designed, engineered and manufactured zero-emission buses with the most energy dense battery solution.

“Manufactured in Queensland, BusTech’s all-electric ZDi is built with the highest local content of any electric bus available on the Australian market.

“These 16 new electric buses will provide Queensland with cleaner, quieter transport whilst also supporting employment opportunities, the local supply chain, the renewables industry and generating lasting economic benefits.”

Assistant minister for hydrogen development Lance McCallum said by 2030, 50 per cent of the state’s energy will be from renewable sources.

“While this depot and locally built buses will be electric, we are also keen to encourage the use of renewable hydrogen in transport.”

Picture: BusTech

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.