South Australia’s first major electric bus charging hub has been completed, with 60 charging stations now operational at Adelaide Metro’s Morphettville Bus Depot.
The $9 million depot upgrade will serve as the main charging hub for Adelaide Metro’s battery electric bus fleet, supporting the state’s transition to lower-emission public transport.
Fifty-five of the State Government’s order of 60 electric buses are already in service across the Adelaide Metro network, with the remaining five expected to enter service this month.
The new buses, supplied by Scania and built by Volgren Australia, seat 41 passengers and can travel more than 300 kilometres on a single charge.
The electric fleet is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 4,500 tonnes each year compared with the diesel and gas buses it is replacing.
The buses have also been fitted with driver security screens, which are being rolled out across Adelaide Metro’s fleet of 940 buses as part of a $7.5 million program. More than 75 per cent of the fleet has now received the screens, with installation expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Planning is also progressing for similar charging infrastructure at the Mile End Bus Depot to support the continued expansion of Adelaide’s electric bus fleet.
The milestone follows the recent rollout of six electric buses for the Mount Barker Keoride on-demand service, while much of the Adelaide Metro rail network, including the Gawler, Seaford/Flinders and tram lines, already operates with zero tailpipe emissions.
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