Three electric buses will be rolled out across Melbourne’s west as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s three-year Zero Emissions Bus Trial – creating a cleaner and more sustainable transport network.

Sunbury will have the State’s first trial buses on the network, with Donric Group expected to be operating three electric buses across seven routes in and around Sunbury from August this year.

Donric Group has partnered with Custom Denning to have the only buses in the trial that are fully Australian built and powered by solid-state Lithium Metal Polymer batteries, with the buses to be charged at Donric Group’s Sunbury depot.

Five bus operators will introduce 41 electric buses to the public network as part of the Victorian Government trial.

The electric buses as part of the trial are in addition to 36 electric buses being rolled out across the metropolitan network by Kinetic, that will operate from the Sunshine West and Heatherton depots.

Under current initiatives, tens of thousands of people will be travelling on at least 78 quieter, smoother and fume-free electric buses each week across the State by mid-2025.

The trial will provide practical information including how electric buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of routes. It will give insights into how zero emissions buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability and customer outcomes.

The trial in the West follows the Labor Government’s recent announcement that Sunshine West Depot will be upgraded to house and charge 24 electric buses.

Creating a greener fleet is part of holistic reforms in Victoria’s Bus Plan to develop a modern and reliable network that attracts more passengers. Achieving zero emissions for buses is essential to Victoria reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Quotes attributable to Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll

“The electric bus trial in the west will benefit the entire community – delivering environmental benefits and providing a smoother and quieter ride for passengers.”

“Creating a greener fleet is part of our Bus Plan to develop a more modern and reliable network that will attract more people to the convenience of buses.”

Quote attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull

“Not only are the zero emissions buses a huge positive for the environment – passengers in the western suburbs can also look forward to a smoother, quieter and more comfortable ride.”