The newest electric bus depot in Victoria has been officially opened this week as the state accelerates its transition to zero-emissions buses.
The new Kinetic electric bus depot in Preston was opened yesterday, with industry members and project partners attending the site to cut the ribbon.
The Preston depot features a first in Victoria with an overhead gantry charging system that increases space and capacity for the new zero-emissions bus fleet that will be operated from the state.
As Victoria continues moving towards net zero emissions by 2045, the new zero-emissions buses, which are a King Long chassis with a Global Bus Ventures body, will phase out older diesel buses used by Kinetic.
Up to 58 electric buses will operate out of the Preston depot travelling more than 2.8 million kilometres each year across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, including routes to Moonee Ponds, Melbourne University and Reservoir.
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These new-modern buses and fully electric bus depot are part of the new Metropolitan ZEB Franchise contracts that have been designed to fully transition a third of the metropolitan bus fleet to ZEBs by 2035, accounting for 600 diesel buses and saving an estimated 45,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
“ZEBs are cleaner, quieter and better for passengers and community alike, and we are proud of the work our operators and workers are doing to accelerate the transition of our bus fleet,” Victorian public and active transport minister Gabrielle Williams says.
The Preston facility is also supporting the training of five additional workers – helping to transition bus maintainers to more modern and sustainable technology. Kempower chargers are used on the site.
The Preston gantry set-up builds on Kinetic’s track record in electric bus infrastructure, including the introduction of New Zealand’s first large-scale overhead gantry charging system at its Glenfield depot in Auckland. The Preston opening means Kinetic now operates more than 1,500 zero-emissions buses across 33 ZEB depots worldwide.
Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards says the company’s vision is to lead the transition to zero-emissions public transport across every city Kinetic operates in.
“Preston is a prime example of how we’re turning that vision into reality – bringing global expertise and proven technology to deliver cleaner, quieter journeys for local communities,” he says.
“We’re committed to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to accelerate the shift to zero emissions transport across our global network.”
For Kinetic Australia managing director Matt Campbell, the official opening marked an “exciting chapter” in Kinetic’s partnership with the Victorian government.
“The Preston depot is a demonstration of our commitment to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to deliver world-class zero-emission bus services for Melbourne,” he says.
The depot’s first zero-emission bus arrived in December 2025 and entered passenger service last week, with a total of 58 new zero-emission buses to be progressively introduced over the coming years. The entire Preston fleet will transition to zero-emission vehicles over the 10-year term.
Preston is Kinetic’s fourth electric bus depot in Victoria and its 12th in Australia.
Later this year, the Victorian government says it will commence zero-emissions bus trials in regional Victoria, helping small and medium-sized regional bus operators prepare for the transition.
Improving the bus network is a key focus of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which aims to meet growing demand, boost accessibility and performance for passengers.
Since its launch, the state government says the plan has upgraded more than 126 bus networks and added over 11,000 extra weekly services, giving Victorians more reliable and convenient public transport.
“Through the Metropolitan Zero-Emission Bus contracts, we’re transforming a third of Melbourne’s bus fleet by 2035 – cutting 45,000 tonnes of emissions every year while delivering better services for passengers,” Victorian energy and resources minister Lily D’Ambrosio says.
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