New Zealand’s first hydrogen powered bus coming to Auckland

Auckland Transport (AT) is buying New Zealand’s first hydrogen fuel cell bus - and it will be built right here in New Zealand.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says, "Transport emissions account for 47 per cent of Auckland’s total carbon emissions, so it’s critical that we transition to a clean transport system as quickly as possible."

"This trial of hydrogen-powered buses is another important step towards reducing carbon emissions in Auckland so that we can hold climate heating to the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees".

Darek Koper, AT’s Bus Services Manager, says the organisation is keen to learn more about the possibilities of hydrogen power for Auckland’s bus fleet. "We are committed to a low emission future, and hydrogen could be one of the best ways to deliver it as it has the potential to address the range anxiety associated with batteries on long and high-frequency bus routes."

"We are also delighted that the first bus will be built in New Zealand. Having the first bus developed and built locally is an important step in creating a new hydrogen industry in New Zealand".

Auckland Transport will trial hydrogen fuel cell buses in partnership with bus operators and Ports of Auckland, who are building a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at their Waitemata port, another first for Auckland.