Kinetic has announced that it is continuing its electric bus program in New Zealand, with 10 more zero-emissions buses set to hit Canterbury next year.
The 10 new buses will be introduced across various local routes to replace older diesel buses and reduce Christchurch bus emissions.
More than a quarter of Kinetic’s Go Bus fleet in Christchurch will soon be electric, with the introduction of the new buses made possible by Environment Canterbury being awarded additional funding from Waka Kotahi to help decarbonise the urban Metro fleet.
Kinetic NZ managing director Calum Haslop says the extra 10 electric buses will see Kinetic grow its city fleet to 51 battery electric vehicles.
“It’s a great step towards achieving our goal of having a 100 per cent zero-emissions fleet across New Zealand and Australia by 2035,” Haslop says.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is a priority at Kinetic and so far this year our 41 Christchurch electric buses have saved more than two million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“We’re working with other councils around the country to further leverage this special Waka Kotahi funding, so expect to see more electric buses on the road across New Zealand.”
Environment Canterbury Chair Peter Scott says he’s delighted to have secured the funding for Christchurch.
“This is a continuation of the work we have already been doing in this space – currently 20 per cent of our fleet is zero emissions,” Scott says.
The new buses can be expected on Canterbury roads in 2024.
Globally, Kinetic’s electric bus fleet is expected to grow to 1,000 this year with operations in Australia, the UK, Europe and Singapore. The company is aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2035, which includes a 100 per cent electric fleet.