The first locally manufactured electric buses are to roll out in Sydney later this year, as Transport for NSW (TfNSW) moves ahead with its plan to electrify its bus fleet by 2030.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance said the Element electric bus, built by Custom Denning, would be the first electric bus entirely manufactured in NSW.
“We are another step closer to creating a greener, cleaner and healthier future for the people of NSW, thanks to Custom Denning manufacturing electric buses at its factory in St Marys,” Mr Constance said.
“Custom’s Element electric bus has undergone a thorough assessment and I am excited to see it now included on a list of electric buses available to Transport for NSW’s bus operators,” he said.
“Busways has already placed an order for six new electric buses from Custom, and I look forward to many more local bus companies taking up the opportunity to support local manufacturing and local jobs.”
Mr Constance said more than 60 new electric buses would be introduced on bus routes operated on behalf of the State this year.
The Minister said electric buses were already operating in Sydney’s inner west and south west, as well as in the Hornsby and Sutherland regions.
Bus Group Managing Director at Custom Denning, Scott Dunn said the Element electric bus would be able to operate for around 22 hours on a single four-hour charge, and was cheaper to maintain and operate than its diesel counterparts.
