Electric Bus Program
Western Australia's electric bus fleet is expanding, with 130 new locally-built electric buses as well as charging infrastructure being installed at key bus depots.
Initiative progress
In Progress
The electric bus program expands upon the existing electric bus trial on the Joondalup CAT (Central Area Transit) route, which has seen four battery-electric vehicles operating within the northern suburbs since February 2022, saving approximately 230 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in their first 12 months.
The program will deliver 18 electric Perth CAT buses and make Elizabeth Quay Bus Station the first bus station in WA capable of supporting electric buses.
The assembly and manufacture of the electric buses and installation of the charging infrastructure will create local manufacturing jobs and support local businesses.
This is an important step to transitioning the bus fleet for an even more environmentally friendly way to get around Perth.
Key Stats
Timeline and Milestones
July 2020 – Electric bus trial for Joondalup CAT route announced.
October 2021 – The very first Transperth electric bus arrived in Perth in preparation for the trial.
February 2022 – First electric bus begins service on Joondalup CAT route.
April 2023 – Electric bus program announced with $250 million investment from State and Federal Governments.
November 2023 – Contract awarded to locally design, supply, install and commission the electric bus charging infrastructure at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.
Mid 2024 – First electric Perth CAT bus to begin service.
Mid 2025 – All 18 electric Perth CAT buses to be in operation.
Expanding WA’s electric bus fleet
The WA electric bus program will see the delivery of 130 new electric buses, the installation of charging infrastructure at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and key depots and major upgrades to manufacturing facilities to support the production of electric buses.
Transperth is expanding its bus fleet using cleaner and greener technology to offer passengers more sustainable transport options when getting around Perth and the surrounding areas.
The electric battery solution is evaluated on a range of factors to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency for commuters. Key among these factors will be its suitability for Perth's climate and road network.
Taking public transport is already a more sustainable mode of travel. Electrifying the fleet will not only contribute to further carbon emission reduction but also boost local job opportunities and manufacturing.
Built in WA
The bus chassis for the 130 electric buses will be built at Volvo's headquarters in Sweden, before being delivered to Volgren’s manufacturing facility in Malaga, which will then build the bus body and fit-out the vehicles to be ready for service.
The initial phase of the program introduces 18 electric Perth CAT buses. To support their operation, a local contractor has been appointed to design, supply, install and commission the electric bus charging infrastructure at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.
The contract will see 18 electric bus charging dispensers and the associated charging management system and software installed at the bus station.
First electric CAT buses
The first electric bus entered the Joondalup CAT route in February 2022 powered by lithium-ion batteries, minimising the carbon footprint.
Transperth’s CAT bus services are free, providing sustainable, fast and convenient means of travelling around the city.
Four electric buses currently operate from the Joondalup bus depot using a high-voltage electric vehicle charging system, with the electric buses recharged at the depot, partly from a 100 kilowatt solar power array and battery storage system.
Successful results in the first year of the trial saw the electric buses carry more than 250,000 passengers over 140,000 kilometres, saving about 230 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the process.
Following the positive outcomes, 18 electric Perth CAT buses and charging infrastructure will be delivered by mid-2025, with the first of these new electric buses set to commence services by mid-2024.
For more information about Western Australia's electric bus fleet, visit:
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Related Initiatives
WA EV Network is being constructed, stretching from Kununurra in the north to Esperance in the south and east to Eucla.
Bike riding and other forms of active travel play an important part in climate action and lowering emissions.
METRONET an important step forward in supporting more sustainable transport into the future.
