ABC #403

IN FOCUS
BUSWAYS E-BUS TRIAL
COFFS HARBOUR
E-BUS TRIAL BEGINS
Coffs Harbour locals have been getting the chance to experience zeroemissions
bus rides thanks to Busways’ trial of a Yutong E12 along school
and route services, recently.
As the first electric bus on
the roads of the NSW midnorth
coast city, the aim
is to test the vehicle and
charging technology in a
regional environment, Busways explains.
The electric bus is fitted with 374kW/h
battery capacity, giving it a range of
up to 400km on a single charge under
current conditions in Coffs Harbour.
The bus provides lower energy
consumption resulting in a quieter,
smoother experience for customers
and better air quality for the community,
Busways adds.
The Yutong E12 Series incorporates
advanced technologies, including
regenerative braking, which extends the
vehicle’s driving range, and fast charging
in three hours, Yutong explains.
It’s also equipped with a wheelchair
ramp and dual wheelchair areas with
back stop for passenger safety in its
ultra-low-floor design.
“Electric buses are our future and
we’re pleased to be trialling the first
electric bus on the north coast,”
Busways’ managing director Byron
Rowe said.
“There’s a lot to do to reach a fully
electric fleet such as innovative policy
making, joint planning, infrastructure
requirements, and industry engagement,
such as trials like this one.”
FLEET STARTEGY
Minister for regional transport and roads
Paul Toole says the NSW government
was committed to transitioning to a
zero-emissions bus fleet as part of its
strategy to make public transport more
sustainable.
“The launch of this trial is exciting
because its outcomes will help shape
how we move in and around the regions
into the future,” Minister Toole said.
“Trials like these help us learn more
about what fit electric buses could have
in the regions, particularly where longer
distance routes are more common than
in metro areas, as well as how to factor in
charging times.
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ABC March 2021 busnews.com.au