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Generation Zero Congratulates NZ Bus
Generation Zero Congratulates NZ Bus on Bringing Electric Hybrid Buses to New Zealand
Friday 22nd April
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth climate change organisation Generation Zero has praised NZ Bus on their forward-looking decision to save Wellington’s trolley buses and initiate a significant retrofit programme to electrify many of its 1100 buses in Wellington and Auckland.
NZ Bus announced plans yesterday to fit the trolley buses with Wrightspeed electric motors, which would convert them to “plug-in hybrids” with a battery topped up by a fuel-powered generator. Wrightspeed says this will deliver fuel savings of around 74% compared to a conventional diesel bus.
“Electric vehicle technology is here now, and it’s fantastic to see NZ Bus leading the charge,” said Generation Zero spokesperson, Nina Atkinson.
“Cleaner and quieter electric buses are better for our health, our cities and our climate.”
“Over 2000 people signed our petition to keep Wellington’s buses clean, rather than scrapping the trolley buses for dirty diesels.”
“One of the options we called for was to upgrade and modernise the trolley buses, as NZ Bus has now announced it will do. While the refitted trolleys will initially not be fully electric, this innovative solution can be progressively applied to the entire bus fleet and upgraded as battery technology continues to improve.”
NZ Bus has put in a tender to continue running services in Wellington and says the number of refitted buses would be “up to Greater Wellington”.
“The ball is now in Greater Wellington Regional Council’s hands as to whether Wellington moves to cleaner public transport or takes a backwards step to dirty diesels,” said Ms Atkinson.
“The Council has a climate change strategy committing to the long-term resilience and sustainability of the Wellington region. This is a great opportunity for the council to show real action behind this commitment, by refitting all of the trolleys and moving fast to electrify the rest of the bus fleet.”
ends
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