Driving the future – AUT launches NZ’s first electric bus

Pacific Media Centre — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 08:05:45 +0000

By Lucy Handford

New Zealand’s first fully battery powered electric bus hit the road today, thanks to a joint initiative by Tranzit Group, EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) and Auckland University of Technology.

The 35-seater bus became part of AUT’s fleet, servicing the university’s North-City Campus and South-City Campus bus routes.

As well as providing sustainable transport for hundreds of students every day, it will operate as a mobile research tool providing vital data to understand the economics and performance of electric buses on New Zealand roads.

“Through the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund which encourages innovation and investment in low emission vehicles, EECA is supporting this demonstration of EV technology to create awareness and influence change in the sector,” said EECA’s Transport Development Manager, Elizabeth Yeaman.

The $738,500 joint funding from EECA and Tranzit Group has covered the cost of the development and build, charging infrastructure, and the upskilling of Kiwi engineers, meaning New Zealand’s first battery electric bus is also built on home soil.

Kiwi Bus Builders in Tauranga constructed the body of the bus, with electric engines and chassis built by Times Electric Group in China.

Tranzit Group’s Managing Director Paul Snelgrove said the project was an important step in the evolution of bus transport in New Zealand.

Green fleet viability
“There are more than 9500 large diesel buses in New Zealand and, in order to replace these with a greener fleet, we need to demonstrate the performance and viability of electric buses,” he said.

As well as providing a sustainable transport option, AUT will be researching the potential impact of EV buses on the electricity grid and gathering other key information.

This includes energy consumption, battery capacity, battery charging rate, duration and number of trips, mileage (km), average speed, charging duration and electricity consumption, regeneration and braking data.

PhD students Jun Su and Syed Muhammad Arif under supervision of Professor Tek Lie will be using the data collected to investigate the impacts of the bus.

“We’re proud to be the first university in New Zealand to launch a bus with zero tailpipe carbon emissions.

As well as a green transport option, this bus will provide the transport sector with vital usage, impact and environmental data and research to help shape the way forward,” said AUT’s associate director (facilities support) Sonia Simpson.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

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AUT to get NZ’s first 100% electric bus in public transport test

Pacific Media Centre — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 03:25:08 +0000

AsiaPacificReport.nz

Two E-buses are to join Auckland Transport’s fleet in a bid to combat climate change. Image: Auckland City Harbour News

The viability of large electric vehicles (EVs) as replacements for current diesel buses is to be tested with a project that will see New Zealand’s first 100 percent electric bus on the country’s roads.

Through the jointly funded project with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and Tranzit Group, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) will add the 38 seat, plus standing, passenger bus to its fleet of shuttles operating between AUT’s three Auckland campuses.

An existing AUT bus for commuting between the inner city campus in Auckland and AUT North (Akoranga) and AUT South (Manukau). Image: AUT

AUT Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack told AUT News that 2016 being the hottest year on record brought into focus the need to find more ways to address the human contribution to climate change.

“Putting a single electric bus on the road might be a humble step, but it signals AUT’s willingness to embrace technology, and work in partnership to help find solutions to the challenges faced by our city and beyond,” he said.

Discussions about building the bus are underway and it is hoped to have it in service in the first half of this year. It is likely that the chassis and EV components will be built in China and the body will be built in New Zealand.

The project was announced recently by Minister of Energy and Resources Judith Collins as part of EECA’s Low Emissions Vehicle Contestable Fund which aims to help accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles, helping to transform our fleet and reduce carbon emissions from road transport.

The trial will make it possible for AUT and Tranzit to study the battery technology and determine what infrastructure and expertise is required to run a large EV urban bus fleet in New Zealand.

“With significant investment in NZ urban bus fleets occurring, AUT and Tranzit findings will be shared with the transport industry in the hope that the uptake of large EVs in New Zealand is seen as a viable replacement to current diesel buses,” said Tranzit Group’s managing director Paul Snelgrove.

Building and operating the electric-powered bus is in line with several of AUT’s sustainability goals including those that cover demonstrating leadership, research and partnership, and operations.

Auckland City Harbour News reported that two electric buses were set to hit Auckland’s roads in a trial part-funded by the government.

Auckland Transport has been awarded up to $500,000 for the trial and about $300,000 for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Funding has also been provided to install 60 electric vehicle charging stations at parking facilities around Auckland.

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Electric buses – Evening Report

Driving the future – AUT launches NZ’s first electric bus

AUT to get NZ’s first 100% electric bus in public transport test