Hybrid Electric Buses

The city’s first fully electric bus has now entered Melbourne.

The launch of the electric bus is part of Ventura’s commitment to actively improve air quality, which has resulted in a 13% reduction in carbon emissions in the last 12 months, through investment in newer buses and improved scheduling. This massive carbon reduction has occurred despite a substantial increase in the number of bus services introduced and record patronage.

The new electric bus complements Ventura’s 100% renewable fuelled ethanol buses which have been operating successfully for 8 years. For more information on the Ethanol buses, please see our Renewable Fuel Buses page.

Electric motors used to drive the bus help deliver a 40% reduction in fuel usage. The technology used on this Ventura bus is a world first, as the 640 lithium ion batteries are recharged whilst the bus is in motion and boosted through regenerative energy when braking at bus stops and traffic lights. In addition, to keep the batteries charged to an optimum level a small 2-litre Volkswagen car engine will start when required, to ensure the bus continuously sustains throughout the 20-hour daily workload.

Ventura drivers are surprised by the lack of noise, ie no heavy 9-litre diesel engine and how smooth and responsive the electric motors power the bus. This bus, built by Designline in New Zealand, has the same seating and carrying capacity as the standard suburban route bus and delivers a quieter and smoother ride for customers.

Ventura’s Managing Director, Andrew Cornwall, says “this is a very exciting advancement for bus technology and it’s the public transport patrons in Melbourne that will be the first to experience what may well be the future of all buses”.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment and Department of Transport have backed this project from the start and are keen to assess the longevity and performance of the bus with Ventura, in determining whether this is the prototype for all new buses operating in Victoria.