The Brookvale bus depot in Sydney’s north has become the first in New South Wales to be converted to offer unique fast-charging technology for battery electric buses, and is the first of eleven depot conversions that will enable buses to be charged in as little as 20 minutes.
The state government says the new gantry-mounted charger system is capable of recharging a battery electric bus with a 300-kilometre range in as little as 20 minutes through to one hour.
NSW premier Chris Minns said that the conversion of the Brookvale bus depot was an important milestone in switching the state’s 8,000-strong bus fleet to electric buses.
“This is a win for passengers, drivers and the environment – cleaner and quieter buses powered at depots with modern technology.”
By 2028, it is expected that Brookvale’s existing fleet of diesel buses will be completely replaced with battery electric buses.
Similarly, the Brookvale bus depot will be joined by depots in Leichhardt and Kingsgrove, which are currently undergoing conversion and expected to complete their electric bus charging technology installation in 2026. Additionally, a new custom-built electric bus depot is planned for Macquarie Park.
Brookvale’s $25 million conversion included the installation of 13 pantograph charging positions as well as ten plug-in chargers, enough to accommodate the depot’s planned fleet of 229 electric buses. Currently, there are 13 electric buses operating out of Brookvale.
Power for charging at the Brookvale depot will be backed by a 250kW onsite rooftop solar system which is now covering operational needs like lighting.
The news follows on the heels of the NSW state government’s recent purchase of 151 new electric buses which will be delivered by local Australian bus manufacturers Custom Denning and Volgren Australia.
“This latest investment in new buses has us on an express route to 1000 new buses since Labor came to government,” said John Graham, NSW minister for transport, speaking in late August.
“The build-up of zero emission buses is happening in a staged and sustainable way, with the obvious benefits for the environment and air quality complemented by enhanced passenger comfort levels on these quieter, smoother buses.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
