Newcastle to get electric buses in green transport plan

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle's bus fleet is starting to go green, as part of a plan to introduce electric-powered buses in the city.

Three zero emission buses will join Newcastle Transport in coming months.

It's the first time the technology's been permanently introduced outside of Sydney.

It's part of a State Government commitment to pollution-free public transport, including transitioning all 8,000 buses across NSW to zero emissions.

The vehicles are being manufactured by the BusTech Group.

The buses have a range of 400km and can complete a full day's operation on a single charge.

They're also considered to be low noise emitters.

Hamilton Bus Depot will also be upgraded with chargers and other infrastructure to support the new additions to the fleet.

Transport Minister David Elliott, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin and Keolis Downer General Manager Emmanual Genlot made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Newcastle council unveils new truck in electric fleet

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle council has unveiled the very first truck in its new electric fleet on Tuesday morning.

The medium rigid Hino truck will take the place of a diesel vehicle used by the Parks and Recreation team.

It's estimated to reduce the City of Newcastle's carbon emissions by 20 tonnes a year.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says it's important for the city to lead by example.

"This is a really important step, in terms of the real action that the city is taking to address climate change," Cr Clausen said.

"We're seeing more and more Novocastrians move to electric with their own passenger vehicles."

The move is part of a push to reduce carbon emissions from council vehicles by 100 percent over the next ten years.

Cr Clausen says sustainability is key to future-proofing Newcastle.

"Making available new electric trucks means that we're creating jobs, particularly locally," Cr Clausen said.

"In terms of the skills that are used to service electric vehicles and helping make it that much easier for other organisations, and for the general public, to adopt electric as well."

"This is a really significant win for the city."

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and the Parks and Recreation team.