Breath of fresh air as SA’s first fully electric bus powers up

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Passengers can now enjoy a smoother, quieter and cleaner ride as the state’s first 100 per cent electric bus hits the road, servicing routes across Adelaide.

The Scania electric bus is the latest zero emission vehicle to join Adelaide Metro’s fleet, as the State Government charges ahead towards a greener future for public transport.

After a successful testing period, the bus was officially handed over from Scania Australia to the South Australian Government.

The body construction and fit-out for the new bus was carried out by South Australian company BusTech, supporting local jobs and backing the industry.

The bus is fitted with 330 kWH of lithium phosphate batteries, which can be fully charged in as little as 90 minutes, providing 260 kilometres of travel range on a single charge.

As well as being better for the environment, full battery electric buses offer more comfort to passengers, reducing noise and fuel-based pollution.

The bus will be based at the Mile End depot where a charging station has been installed.

To support the uptake of electric vehicles, an additional nine full battery electric buses are on order. This compliments the 24 electric hybrid buses which are currently operating across the Adelaide Metro network, with all future bus orders to target electric hybrid or full electric vehicles.

This is another step forward in the transition to an efficient, zero-emissions public transport system to support the State Government’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.