Sydney Airport has introduced Australia's first electric airport bus - one of six that will be operating on-site by the end of this year. The Toro bus was produced jointly by BYD (naturally) and Carbridge. According to BYD, the range of the ebus is good for up to 400 km (250 miles) while carrying 70 passage and all their gear. In total, Sydney Airport has now invested $5 million (AUD) in environmentally friendly ground transport technologies. "The Electric Blu bus is the first of a fleet of six electric buses to be operational by the end of this year, replacing the airport’s existing diesel bus fleet servicing the shuttle route between the T2/T3 terminal precinct and the Blu Emu Car Park." "The fleet of Blu Emu electric buses will deliver carbon emission reductions of approximately 160 tonnes per year and improve local air quality through zero tailpipe emissions. The fleet will also lower external noise levels, reduce waste fluids to zero and decrease the amount of toxic material generated during servicing. Electric Blu is a ‘Toro’ model electric bus, created by Carbridge in a joint venture with the world’s leading global electric bus manufacturer BYD." "The Electric Blu bus has a carrying capacity of 70 passengers, features purpose-designed luggage storage racks and has a range of 400km on a single charge. Sydney Airport has invested in charging stations and other ancillary equipment to support the deployment of the new electric bus fleet. The airport is also currently trialing electric cars as part of its ground transport fleet and investigating solar-powered charging stations to further decrease carbon emissions, while research and development is underway for recycling and reuse of batteries and other components." Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said: “We’re proud to be the first Australian airport to introduce electric buses to our Parking and Ground Transport operations, which will reduce our carbon footprint and enhance the passenger experience,” “These state-of-the-art electric buses can make up to 100 transfer journeys on a single charge, providing a clean and sustainable transport option for the two million travellers, visitors and airport workers who use the Blu Emu shuttle service every year.” Carbridge Chief Executive Officer Luke Todd said: “Carbridge is delighted to deliver to Sydney Airport this country’s first electric airport bus and in partnership with BYD we are excited to be at the forefront of electric bus manufacturing in Australia,”
Sydney Airport has begun operating Australia's first electric airport bus, one of a fleet of six that will be on-site by the end of 2016. The Toro bus, developed by BYD and Carbridge, has a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) while carrying 70 passengers. Sydney Airport's total investment in clean energy ground transport technology is now AUD $5m ($3.72m). The six Blu Emu electric buses will deliver carbon emission reductions of around 160 tonnes per year, improve air quality, reduce external noise levels and decrease the quantity of toxic material produced during servicing.