Kinetic powers Dunedin’s largest electric bus rollout

(Photo: ORC files)

Dunedin’s public transport network is going greener and bigger — with the successful debut of the first 75-passenger electric bus on Mosgiel routes, delivered and operated by  Kinetic-owned Go Bus.

By July, six of these high-capacity electric buses will be on the road as part of a new 13-vehicle electric fleet transforming public transport for the growing Mosgiel community. The fleet will include six large buses, six standard-size EVs, and a smaller 22-seat, wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a new On Demand service.

“This is an exciting milestone for our team in Dunedin,” says Ben Barlow, Chief Operating Officer at Go Bus. “The arrival of our first zero-emission, 75-passenger electric bus marks a major step forward in delivering cleaner, more sustainable public transport for the region.

The first large EV entered service in early April, with more arriving throughout May and June. Delivering the vehicle early allowed local drivers to undertake comprehensive training and gain valuable experience operating the new model across varied terrain — from highways to residential streets.

“The feedback so far has been fantastic,” Barlow says. “Passengers are loving the quieter, more comfortable ride, while our drivers appreciate how smooth and responsive the vehicle is to operate.”

To support the new fleet, we’ve upgraded our depot on Dukes Road in Mosgiel with state-of-the-art charging infrastructure, completed ahead of schedule. The depot will serve as the primary hub for the electric vehicles.

The introduction of electric buses to Dunedin's network builds on our broader commitment to sustainability across New Zealand. Over the next several years, diesel buses will continue to be progressively phased out as contracts renew, supporting long-term emissions reduction goals for public transport.

Further enquiries 

Meenal Maharaj
Marketing & Communications Manager, New Zealand 
+64 21 220 9107
meenal.maharaj@wearekinetic.co.nz