Christchurch boosts electric bus fleet

He added: “Likewise, the emissions reduction from these electric buses includes 16,000 kilograms of nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) and 140 kilogrammes of PM10 which is also a win for air quality,” he said.

The 16 new electric vehicles travelled in convoy after their ship transport from Auckland became unavailable. The vehicles will all join the Go Bus fleet in Christchurch. Go Bus Chief Executive, Calum Haslop, said that “the road trip” was an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities.

“In 2023, our electric fleet will reduce Metro’s carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO-2e) by an estimated 18 per cent, equivalent to nearly 2,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved annually, compared to a fully diesel fleet” 

“These electric buses can do around 400 kilometres between charges, so the 1000-kilometre drive from Auckland took them two days, charging in the middle of the day at Taupo then overnight at Wellington,” he said.

“Our buses typically travel 300 kilometres a day on Metro’s network, so it’s clear that they are more than capable of completing a full day’s work.

“It is incredibly exciting for us to support Environment Canterbury with the transition of Metro’s fleet to greener and cleaner technology, with every bus that goes into service replacing a diesel one having an immediate positive impact on the community, on the planet and on the experience for people who choose to travel with Metro every day.”