Australia: Kinetic opens electric bus depot in Victoria
According to Kinetic, it is the first bus depot in Victoria that features an overhead gantry charging system. It is designed to increase vehicle capacity while optimising depot space. The charging infrastructure supports the operation of battery-electric buses without the need for extensive ground-mounted equipment, enabling higher vehicle throughput and operational flexibility.“The overhead gantry charging system delivers real operational benefits — from maximising depot space to reducing vehicle damage risks — while setting a new benchmark for electric bus depots across the country,” explained Kinetic Executive General Manager – Electrification Kayne Baas.Up to 58 electric buses will be based at the site, collectively expected to travel more than 2.8 million kilometres per year, the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning states. The new buses will progressively replace older diesel vehicles and operate on routes across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, including services to Moonee Ponds, University of Melbourne and Reservoir.The depot and vehicles are delivered under the Metropolitan Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Franchise contracts, which target the conversion of around one-third of Melbourne’s metropolitan bus fleet to zero-emission operation by 2035. And the facility also supports workforce development, with five additional maintenance staff undergoing training to work with high-voltage electric drivetrains and charging systems. The initiative aims to prepare existing bus maintainers for the long-term transition to electric mobility technologies.Kinetic says it now operates over 1,500 zero-emission buses across 33 ZEB depots worldwide. “Preston is a prime example of how we’re turning that vision into reality – bringing global expertise and proven technology to deliver cleaner, quieter journeys for local communities,” said Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards. “We’re committed to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to accelerate the shift to zero emissions transport across our global network.”wearekinetic.com, premier.vic.gov.au
