Bustech, Precision Buses (SA) and Ebusco to partner on the future of zero emission buses in Australasia.

Date posted
Category
Press release

Deurne – Netherlands / Adelaide – Australia, 1 June 2020 – Ebusco, a Dutch pioneer in zero emission electric vehicle technology and smart mobility solutions, is launching a regional partnership with Australian Bus Corporation, comprising Precision Buses and Bustech, the largest Australian owned bus group in Australasia.

  • Australian Bus Corporation and Ebusco have formed a partnership to deliver and maintain the next generation electric buses into Australia and New Zealand
  • The current model Ebusco 2 is a fully electric city bus capable of 350+ km on a single charge.
  • Australian Bus Corporation and Ebusco will partner on the launch of Ebusco 3.0, Ebusco’s next generation carbon fibre based bus, saving over 4 tonnes in weight and featuring a low flat floor, optional panoramic roof, and capable of reaching over 500km on a single

Simon Pearce, the newly appointed Strategic Director of Asia Pacific for Ebusco explains:“ The Australian Bus Corporation and Ebusco initially met at the BIC conference in Canberra, Australia. After an initial discussion between Dan Marks (Director/Owner of Precision Buses and Bustech), Peter Bijvelds (CEO Ebusco) and Michel Maanen (CCO & COO Ebusco) each party felt that they could offer the other a unique skillset in addressing the needs of the Australasian market”.

“Ebusco has extensive experience in developing zero emission European quality buses using European parts, with a F35 inspired carbon fibre design. Ebusco has delivered over 150 electric buses into fleet in Europe with a further (at this moment known) 245 electric buses to be delivered in the next 12 months.

Uniquely, Ebusco has a deep understanding of bus operations enabling Ebusco to support operators in the deployment of zero emission buses in market having regard to TCO (Total cost of ownership). Australian Bus Corporation, through Precision Buses and Bustech, provides unrivalled design, engineering and manufacturing capability and capacity in Australia, which is comprehensively supported by a localised supply chain throughout Australia, spare parts warehousing, and a service, after sales and support network.

“Our collaboration with Ebusco supports our broader strategy of collaborating with technology partners who wish to expand into Australasia and localise their production to provide economic benefit to the Australian market and create Australian jobs, whilst leveraging territory specific engineering know-how and capability. Sovereign capability in Australia has never been more important and the Ebusco team has embraced that with their plans to expand into Australia by partnering with us” explains Christian Reynolds, Group Managing Director of Australian Bus Corporation.

Ebusco 3.0 inside

Ebusco 3.0 inside

The partnership between Ebusco and the Australian Bus Corporation will ultimately result in the Ebusco 2.2 and the next generation, carbon based Ebusco 3.0 being manufactured in Australia in a purpose built high tech facility.

The Australian Bus Corporation and Ebusco recognise buses are only one part of the broader ecosystem that is required in Australia to activate the rapid deployment of zero emission buses. To that end, they are both working with other technology and infrastructure partners to support multiple operations across Australia.

“We believe the Ebusco 3.0 will be a game changer and will significantly lower the total cost of ownership model in an extremely competitive environment, delivering significant benefits to customers” – Simon Pearce, Ebusco Australia.

“The collaboration with Ebusco is an exciting development for both parties, combining Ebusco’s experience in Europe with Australian Bus Corporation’s commitment to smart engineering which will support electric bus advancement for both companies.” said Christian Reynolds.