MEDIA RELEASE
16 August 2017
Government supports Tranzit fast charge electric buses
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has announced a grant of $339,602 for a
Tranzit trial system to charge electric buses “on the go”.
The ECCA grant will go toward Tranzit’s project to supplement electric public transport network
infrastructure with super-fast ‘opportunity charge’ technology.
The project will demonstrate the viability of drive-through electric bus charging technology, where
buses batteries gain additional charge as they travel through a network – such as at bus stops.
The project will build a containerised 450 kW opportunity charger with an overhead charge mast and
the associated vehicle mounted equipment for one bus. The portability will allow the charger to be
taken around the country for demonstrations.
Tranzit last week announced NZ-assembled double-decker electric buses will start on Wellington
public transport routes next year.
Tranzit managing director Paul Snelgrove said the project was an important part of meeting public
demand for electric vehicles on public transport networks.
“Opportunity-charging will extend the reach of electric bus networks, servicing more of the public
and taking them further.”
ENDS
Contact: John Mitchell, 027 975 4094.
For more information about the ECCA fund visit
https://www.eeca.govt.nz/funding-and-
support/electric-vehicles-programme/
For general information about electric vehicles, see
www.electricvehicles.govt.nz