South Australia has ordered 60 electric buses from Swedish manufacturer Scania as part of its commitment to a zero-emission public transport system, the state government announced. The buses, which will be delivered in the latter half of this year and into 2025, mark a significant expansion of the region’s electric vehicle fleet.
The Scania buses will be assembled by Australian bus manufacturer Volgren in Victoria. Charging infrastructure is set to be installed at the Morphettville depot to support their deployment, though technical specifications for the buses and charging systems have not yet been disclosed.
The initiative aligns with South Australia’s target to reach net zero emissions by 2050. With the state’s electricity grid already powered largely by renewable sources, transportation remains its largest single source of emissions. The government has enlisted two global engineering advisory firms to aid in the transition to a zero-emission public transport network.
“These new business cases will build upon this prior body of work to decarbonise the metropolitan bus network and the Outer Harbor and Belair Lines, as we work towards our commitment to upgrade our public transport system to zero emissions with cleaner, greener and more efficient technologies,” said South Australia’s energy minister, Tom Koutsantonis.
The state ceased purchasing diesel-only buses in 2022, and Adelaide Metro’s current fleet includes one battery-electric and two hydrogen-powered buses undergoing trials. The government hopes that investing in zero-emission transport will not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance commuter experience. “Not only are low and zero-emission transport options more environmentally friendly, they provide a smoother, quieter and more comfortable journey for commuters, which will encourage more people onto our public transport network,” Koutsantonis added.
Source: premier.sa.gov.au