IN FOCUS
ZEMTEC E-CITY E-BUS
NEW ZEALAND ZEMTEC E-BUS FOR AUSTRALASIAN MARKET A new electric-bus player emanating from New Zealand has started initial testing of its recently completed Zemtec E-City e-bus, with intent for the solarpanel-roofed bus’s use in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.
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peaking exclusively to ABC magazine, Zemtec CEO Frank Reardon confirmed the new electric bus will soon be in the NZ and Australian markets, that initial testing should begin next month and that ‘in service’ trials begin in June, 2021. “We believe we have selected the best suppliers to partner with [for] quality, support, and safety,” Reardon stated. According to the company, the ZF e-mobility-based bus – featuring a range of European, American and top-quality ancillary components – is able to “deliver high-quality, sustainable manufacturing efficiency” and that “Zemtec is leading the change to logical, efficient and environmentally sensitive commercial EV operation”.
QUICK OVERVIEW With Zemtec based in Albany, New Zealand, the E-City e-bus is locally designed and built to excel in Australasian conditions, the company explains. “Most electric buses currently available are adaptations of manufacturers’ conventional diesel vehicles, basically existing designs re-powered with electric motors,” Reardon said. 24
“That approach misses the opportunity for a radical rethink of bus design and also fails to maximise the benefit that modern EV technology is able to offer. “Every element of the design has been analysed in detail to ensure that modern construction methods can be employed whilst real-world operating requirements can be fulfilled safely and efficiently. “The E-City is considerably lighter than a conventional diesel bus of the same size and in fact, in New Zealand, can carry the same passenger load on two axles as opposed to the three axles required by a diesel. “The E-City is around 30 per cent lighter in mass than other electric buses,” Reardon stated. “This weight reduction is a significant factor, allowing for reduced battery storage. “An added benefit is that the E-City
can be driven with a Class 2 NZ driving licence and it has been designed to ensure it is not just the best environmental option, but is also the logical choice for bus operators,” he explained.
CURRENT STATUS Asked where this E-City trial will be held and via whom, Reardon answered: “Initial trials will be with Bayes Coachlines, which operate services for Auckland Transport. We are in discussions with Auckland Transport for trials to extend to other operators; this will happen but with who is the question at this stage.” In terms of great operator interest, Reardon stated: “Generally, this will be the first announcement, but we have had ongoing conversations with a few Australian operators keen to come and have a look at
ABC April 2021 busnews.com.au
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