CDC Queensland, a leading public transport operator and one of Central Queensland’s largest bus operators, has some electrifying news – it has teamed up with Bus Stop Sales to trial Australia’s first full electric high floor bus.
The zero-emission coach, known as the EVolution high floor, is the country’s first 100 percent electric high floor coach. It was produced by manufacturers Bus Stop Sales and King Long and includes some of Australia’s best bus and coach parts like a world-class ZF axle and a VDO dash akin to those seen in luxury consumer cars.
The Evolution has several seating options, ranging from 44 to 51 seats, and can be built with both imported and locally manufactured seat solutions. With a CATL battery providing up to 422 kilowatts of power and a nine-phase Sumo DANA drive motor, the coach has a range of about 350 kilometres.
The bus was trialled recently in CDC Queensland’s Gladstone depot and currently has a fleet of around 45 vehicles, providing transport for the region’s many charter, urban and school customers.
CDC Regional Australia Division CEO Tony Hopkins said he was excited to have the Central Queensland team trial the bus, given it was the depot’s first time participating in such a trial.
“We are delighted to be able to trial this Australian first Evolution bus. By combining our expertise in public transportation with these innovative solutions, we are thrilled to be a part of the electric transportation revolution. This trial builds on our corporate sustainability responsibilities as we’re all about minimising our impacts on the environment, and maximising road, passenger, and workplace safety,” he said.
“We are committed to establishing long-term strategies that minimise the environmental impact of our operations and promoting sustainable transport outcomes, so we are glad to be a part of this opportunity with Bus Stop Sales.
“Bus technology is changing rapidly. It is important we understand what is available on the market so we can invest in safe, environmental, and fuel-efficient buses.”
During the two-month trial, the bus was deployed across various charter routes in the region offering passengers a unique and enhanced travel experience that combined comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
CDC Queensland General Manager Anna Tyben said feedback from the community about the bus had been positive, with one particularly impressed customer enquiring about chartering electric buses for future events.
The news of the Gladstone bus trial comes after a similar trial earlier in the year at the company’s Sunshine Coast operations utilising two Yutong C12E Series battery electric buses in May.
“As a group, CDC is committed to reducing the energy and carbon footprint of both its vehicles and operations buildings, minimising adverse impacts on the environment and community,” Ms Tyben said.
Read more about CDC’s national approach.
