Media Release: Carbridge, 17 August 2017

Two electric buses will hit Canberra roads next month, after the ACT government signed a contract with Carbridge.

Carbridge “Toro” BYD K9RA on London Circuit

A 12-month trial will look at how the buses cope with the demands of the Canberra network and will guide future decisions on the replacement of the city’s diesel buses, Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said.

“Recent improvements in battery technology mean that electric buses are becoming more economical and operationally viable, coupled with obvious environmental benefits,” Ms Fitzharris said.

The trial also involves one hybrid bus which will be supplied by Volvo.

“If electric or electric-hybrid buses are found suitable following the trial, Transport Canberra will consider alternative fuel buses as part of the broader fleet replacement options.”

The performance and reliability of the buses will be compared “like for like” with the diesel buses.

The trial buses will be slightly smaller than ordinary ACTION buses and be significantly quieter.

The electric buses will recharge overnight at their home depot, Tuggeranong, while the hybrid uses an on-board diesel engine to recharge an electric battery which runs the motor.

They have a range of about 450 kilometres – an ACTION bus does about 350 kilometres per day – and will transmit data live to help evaluate their efficiency.

The Carbridge Toro is the world’s most modern and technologically advanced electric bus, developed jointly by Carbridge and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD.

This page was last updated on 8 May 2021