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Transport for New South Wales has announced that data from regional trials have proven the worth of electric buses. “To date, the 12 new electric buses in the trial have delivered generally positive outcomes, operating across 1,627 bus days and covering more than 300,000 kilometers. The average distance each vehicle has travelled is around 200 kilometers per day.”

November 26th is World Sustainable Transport Day, and thus, the perfect opportunity to tout the success of the program. Data from the 18-month trial will inform the next steps — hopefully more zero-emission buses on more routes. As CleanTechnica has reported previously, the trials were held in Armidale, the Tweed Vally, Narrabri, Queanbeyan, and Deniliquin.

To identify the best technologies, the trials were conducted in varied climates, terrain, and road conditions in regional and remote service routes. “The regional trials are part of Transport’s multi-billion-dollar Zero Emission Buses Program, which is transitioning more than 8,000 diesel and compressed natural gas buses to more sustainable technology.”

Transport NSW reports that: “Together, these new electric buses have saved over 200 tonnes of tailpipe carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. This is a measurable step in Transport’s transition to a net zero fleet and operations by 2035, while supporting the state goal of [net zero by] 2050.”

One of the significant learnings from the trial was the cost savings from the use of regenerative braking. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times this is mentioned, unless a driver experiences it, they don’t believe it. Now that the accountants are convinced, we may see faster progress — money talks.

The media release from Transport NSW feels the need to explain the magic: “This technology allows buses to recover energy while slowing down or travelling downhill, turning what would normally be wasted energy into a cost-saving advantage. These findings demonstrate reduced running costs in all operating environments, further reinforcing the case for adopting new electric buses.”

Operating a bus in regional and remote areas of Australia means dealing with less-than-ideal roads. We know, we have driven on lots of them. The trial demonstrated that electric buses are just as efficient on unsealed roads as their diesel counterparts. They still have to deal with the tyranny of distance. Despite sometimes poor road conditions, passengers have provided positive feedback. 80% are satisfied, commenting on the comfort, quiet operation, and smooth ride of the zero-emission electric buses. The buses will continue to operate on their current routes until at least March 2026.

“We are cautiously optimistic about these results and confident continuing the trial will deliver valuable insights into how these vehicles perform in regional conditions including their energy use, passenger uptake, fuel cost savings, and emissions reductions,” said Transport’s Executive Director of Public Transport Andrew Milne. Electric vehicles have a future beyond the major cities.

Mr Milne cautioned pedestrians when interacting with low-noise electric buses: “Simple actions like putting your phone or headphones away and crossing at safe places such as zebra crossings or traffic lights can help keep you safe around quieter new buses. If no designated crossing is available, choose a spot with a clear view in both directions and continue looking both ways as you cross.” Good advice for all pedestrians.

Meanwhile, Adelaide, capital of South Australia (famous for Tesla’s Big Battery) is converting its 60-vehicle bus fleet to electric. Scania will supply the first two buses, with the full fleet conversion to be completed by the middle of 2026. South Australia has also recently been in the news for achieving over 150% renewable energy generation in its state grid. Excess electricity is exported to other states. There will be plenty of power for the new buses.

South Australia is aiming for a fully decarbonised public transport network. Adelaide has a functional electric tram service already. Replacing aging diesel buses with battery electric is expected to remove 4,500 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year. South Australia and New South Wales have a net zero emissions target for 2050. The new buses will travel the same routes as the old ones, each carrying up to 43 passengers in quiet comfort. The Scania buses can travel 350 km on a single charge.

Drivers have not been forgotten and will benefit from improved safety features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). “The software will support drivers in maintaining lane position, controlling speed and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.” Security has been enhanced with protective polycarbonate driver security screens.

Adelaide’s Morphettville bus depot is installing new charging bays to accommodate the battery-electric bus fleet.

In the “hope it gets here soon” department, we have the launch of a new bus platform from Volvo. Encouraging news from Volvo Australia is that it will commence building battery-electric semis at the Brisbane factory this year, so this bus may not be too far away.

The new Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis will offer up to 720 kWh of battery and a range 700 km. Longer journeys, fewer charging stops — though, hopefully plenty of rest stops for those passengers like me who need to stretch their legs and empty their bladders regularly. The chassis has already “been bodied by Carrus Delta and is intended for customers in the Nordic and Benelux markets.” The BZR is “available with two or three axles and four to eight modular energy storage units.”

The “BZR Electric coach chassis offers both 250 kW CCS charging and 450 kW OppCharge. The chassis is also equipped with the latest versions of Volvo Buses’ active safety systems to protect both passengers and vulnerable road users.”

For the curious: “OppCharge interface is a solution driven by Volvo Bus Corporation. Power ratings are currently 150, 300 and 450 kW.” You can read more about it here.

Being an electric coach, the BZR will be able to operate in environmental zones.

“We are proud to present a solution that makes sustainable travel accessible to more people on more routes,” says Anna Westerberg, Volvo Buses President. “The Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis shows how electrification can go beyond reducing tailpipe emissions. With responsibly sourced materials and a product built to last, we minimize the life-cycle footprint. And we do this while delivering comfort, efficiency, and the highest safety standards for both everyday commuting and long-distance journeys.”

Slowly, electric zero-emission buses are gaining ground in Australia. For commuters and drivers, the future is quiet, comfortable, and electric.