Perth prepares for first electric bus fleet

Perth will soon launch its first electric bus fleet thanks to the installation of charging infrastructure at a major bus station in the city.

JET Charge Pty Ltd has been awarded a contract to design, supply, install and commission the electric bus charging infrastructure at Elizabeth Quay bus station.

The $1.65 million contract will see 18 electric bus charging dispensers and the associated charging management system and software installed at the bus station.

Once installed, the charging infrastructure will support the operation of 18 electric Perth CAT buses and will make Elizabeth Quay the first bus station in WA capable of supporting electric buses.

Work on the infrastructure will begin in early 2024, with the first electric Perth CAT bus to begin services by the middle of next year.

All 18 electric Perth CAT buses will be in operation by mid-2025, with each electric bus able to travel about 330 kilometres on a single charge.

The installation of the new electric charging infrastructure is part of a $250 million joint initiative between the Australian and Western Australian Governments.

“Our governments are focused on transitioning our bus fleet to fully electric and this is a really important step in making that a reality,” said Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

“We’re investing in new electric buses, but also ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to support those electric buses and delivering the facilities so we can manufacture and build the buses right here in Western Australia.”

The initiative ultimately aims to deliver 130 new electric buses, charging infrastructure at key depots and major upgrades to manufacturing facilities to support the production of electric buses.

The delivery of a new fleet of electric buses comes after a trial of four electric buses began in the Joondalup area in February last year.

Image credit: iStock.com/delectus