Operators like ComfortDelGro Australia are pivoting depots, including its Oakleigh depot in Victoria, to serve its new electric buses.
The Victorian government recently announced a trial of 41 electric buses on routes across Victoria in towns including, Melbourne, Seymour and Traralgon. The announcement created a buzz for operators, who are revolutionising their depots ahead of the arrival of the buses.
ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) is one such operator. It is set to install an initial six charging outlets at its Oakleigh depot, which will service the buses scheduled to arrive later in 2022 and into 2023.
To ensure the buses have the range required for journeys, CDC will install two charging stations at the Monash University bus interchange to allow buses to recharge whilst out on routes and establish the viability of further investment for in-field charging.
Making the switch to electric is about a lot more than just upgrading equipment. With new equipment comes new skills that are required to maintain the gear. As CDC tells Australasian Bus & Coach, it is committed to growing its team within. Mechanics at the Oakleigh depot will receive upskilling to ensure they can carry out routine servicing on the new electric buses.
CDC Victoria CEO Jeff Wilson says that the announcement from the state government is important for the team.
“We are grateful to have been working with leaders in their respective fields, boosting local work opportunities while upskilling the staff within our depots to work on the technologies of the future,” Wilson said. “The drivers and staff at Oakleigh are looking forward to sharing this technology with the local communities,”.
CDC notes that it is committed to sourcing its buses locally. It will work with Volgren, which will produce the buses in its Dandenong south facility using Volvo BZL chassis. It will also use Engie charging infrastructure.
“We have worked closely with Engie and Monash University to set up facilities for the buses to be charged during the day at the Monash Clayton campus,” Wilson said. “This will provide an increased range for the buses and boost network performance.”
The buses themselves are an exciting collaboration between Volgren and Volvo: made in Melbourne, for Melbourne.
Volvo bus general manager Mitch Peden said he supported the state government’s decision and the push from operators such as CDC to go greener.
“Governments and operators such as CDC across the country are recognising the inherent benefits of adopting electric technology,” said Peden. “We applaud the Victorian State Government and the Department of Transport for making the appropriate decision to roll out the Zero Emissions Bus Trial.
“We are absolutely thrilled that our Volvo BZL Electric will be introduced in the CDC fleet and we thank ComfortDelGro Australia for continuing to put their trust in Volvo as they transition to electric technology,” Peden said.
CDC operates routes across Melbourne’s CBD and eastern suburbs as well as Geelong. It has diversified its bus fleet with the electric buses entering Melbourne.
In Geelong CDC will be bringing hydrogen buses on board in partnership with Viva energy who received funding to build a hydrogen service centre.
The two hydrogen fuel cell buses are expected to be servicing the Geelong region by late 2023.
CDC CEO Nicholas Yap said the parent company of CDC, ComfortDelGro, has had considerable experience rolling out hydrogen buses in London.
“We see strong potential for hydrogen and importantly an eco-system of Australian based providers driving collectively toward a cleaner future for Australians,” he said. “Our rollout of two new hydrogen-powered buses is also great news for our customers in Geelong, who will experience this exciting technology and a smoother ride on their daily commute.”
CDC will be trialling eight electric buses which will operate across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and into the bustling CBD.
The commitment from CDC to be a part of the trial will help the state government reach its target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The trial will begin with one bus in November 2022 out of the Oakleigh depot which they expect to provide an impressive ride for commuters.
The first battery-electric bus will be trialled on routes 601 and 630 which will service Huntingdale station, Monash University, Gardenvale station and Ormond station.
The seven remaining buses will then be rolled out over the coming three years servicing varying routes across the CDC network.
CDC is one of the larger bus operators in Australia and has a strong presence in Victoria, serving the West, East and North of Melbourne as well as Ballarat, Geelong, Mildura, and Wentworth.
With over 600 buses across these fleets, it is small steps first into the renewable sector. But, the company has recognised its importance.
“At CDC we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to reducing greenhouse and particulate emissions in public transport with Australia’s first hybrid bus technology offering zone-based zero emissions,” Yap said.