Tesla Megapack batteries are now installed in Australia’s biggest electric bus depot in Leichhardt, Sydney, as reported by Teslarati.
“This is by far Australia’s largest electrified depot and paves the way for Transport for NSW to reach their target and electrify all 8,000 buses across the network, using the latest technology.”
Transit Systems COO Greg Balkin
Australia’s new e-bus depot
The new depot for Australia’s fleet of 55 e-buses was erected in Leichhardt, as mentioned above.
The depot is equipped with a 388 kW rooftop solar array and, of course, a 1.25 MW/2.5 MWh Tesla Megapack.
Apart from those, it also boasts five 120 kW DC fast chargers and 31 AC 80 kW chargers.
The innovation does not stop there, as the depot also features smart charging software. As per the report, the software essentially aids in monitoring the following: “charging rates, solar consumption, battery discharge, and electricity flows.”
Who’s behind the project?
Australian public transport firm Transit Systems runs the charging station with its partners, Zenobē Energy and TransGrid.
Notably, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation funded the project for around AU$ 24.5 million. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency also provided additional funds of about AU$ 5 million, per The Driven.
Outcome
The e-bus depot is reportedly operating more efficiently than predicted as it finds that the fleets require less charging than initially anticipated.
“With regenerative braking, the buses often come back to the depot with a significant amount of charge still available – this is obviously fantastic as it reduces the load on the recharging infrastructure. It also means less downtime for the buses, and we can adopt changes within our network planning to maximize route and energy efficiencies.”
Transit Systems COO Greg Balkin
Government initiatives
The Australian government approved the AU$3 billion fund for the state’s charging infrastructures and new Zero Emissions Buses in December.
“This major investment will make NSW a global leader and will also deliver benefits to the local economy by supporting over 1400 jobs as we ramp up local bus production.”
Dave Elliot, NSW Minister for Transport, Veterans, and Western Sydney
Such government initiatives are critically necessary to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. With the support of these initiatives, more people will be encouraged to support clean mobility. In return, it would boost the state’s net zero emission targets.
