VDI, the national distributor of Yutong buses, is at the forefront of Australia’s electric bus revolution. With a vision to provide innovative and quality electric bus solutions and after-sales service for Australia, VDI is actively supporting the transition to zero-emission public transport through a combination of state trials.
VDI’s commitment to electric bus adoption is evident in its partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW). Together, with local bus operators, they are conducting a series of trials to test various electric bus technologies in different regional settings. These trials aim to collect valuable data on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of electric buses, ultimately informing future procurement and deployment strategies.
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VDI national fleet sales manager Warren Young, says that the trials are crucial and a welcomed exercise to understanding and demonstrating the costs and feasibility of rolling out electric buses in regional areas.
“Our involvement in these trials isn’t just about testing the technology, we are also raising awareness and educating the public and the operators about the advantages of electric buses, particularly for communities that may not have considered electric as a viable option.”
Young praises the collaboration with TfNSW, saying that they share a common vision of providing sustainable and innovative transport solutions for the regions.
TfNSW’s ZEB regional trial consists of several deployments of battery electric school buses which are part of a strategic business case to determine the feasibility, viability, and cost of transitioning to zero emissions technology.
The first phase of this groundbreaking trial is already underway in the northern region, featuring two 57-seater C12E buses and a 28-seater D7E bus that have been operating in Tweed Heads with Kinetic, along with another C12E bus that has been making strides in Armidale with Edwards Coaches since April 2024.
The next phases will expand the trial’s reach, with VDI deploying two C12E buses and a D7E bus in Queanbeyan, as well as another D7E bus in Narrabri.
VDI is proud to be involved in these trials as each of its buses provide the safety of Yutong’s leading edge YESS system battery technology. This innovative system enhances the safety of the buses by injecting nitrogen into the battery cells, which is a proactive measure to prevent thermal runaway. The adoption of such advanced technology is particularly beneficial for regional areas, where the reliability and safety of transportation are paramount.
The YESS system’s ability to maintain battery integrity and performance in diverse environmental conditions makes it an ideal solution for the varied Australian landscape. This technology not only ensures the optimal performance of the buses but also guarantees reliability.
VDI knows that electric buses face different challenges in regional NSW, where the landscape, weather, road quality, passenger needs, and infrastructure options are different from in metro areas. But VDI trusts the Yutong electric buses to do well and achieve the outcome that TfNSW, bus operators, schools, communities, and industry partners all expect.
The benefits of electric buses are undeniable and these trials not only represent a significant step towards the adoption of battery electric transportation in the state but also in helping to meet reduced carbon emissions targets. They also showcase how regional communities can lead the way in embracing innovative technologies for a sustainable future.
The regional trials are expected to run for 18 months each. Throughout this period, VDI and TfNSW will continue to monitor and evaluate the electric buses, sharing data and outcomes. The trials will play a crucial role in shaping the future procurement and deployment of electric buses in regional NSW.
VDI’s dedication to supporting TfNSW’s vision for zero-emission public transport is unwavering. The company is committed to providing innovative and high-quality electric bus solutions for regional NSW. VDI is also eager to share its experience and expertise with the industry and the public, highlighting its electric bus products and services.
With its long history of electric bus manufacturing and deployment globally, Yutong, VDI’s supplier, brings valuable experience and technology to the Australian market. This partnership ensures that VDI can offer innovative electric bus solutions that meet the unique needs of regional NSW.
Young says that the company is proud to partner with TfNSW in testing and demonstrating the advantages of electric buses in regional areas.
“These trials give us the ability to identify and generate hard data and statistics on the performance of Transport’s zero-emission bus offerings, which will help inform future decisions and grow the battery electric bus market.” he says.
With their continued involvement in initiatives like this, VDI demonstrate their commitment to addressing challenges, educating communities, and collaborating with industry partners as states and the nation transition to cleaner transportation.
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