Hess and ABB set to build electric buses for Brisbane

Within four years, 60 electric buses could be operating in Brisbane. The Australian city is recommending Carrosserie Hess AG from Bellach to manufacture the buses, in partnership with the Zurich technology group ABB and the Australian bus manufacturer Volgren, writes a statement. ABB will also supply fast-charging stations.  

Each electric bus will be 24.4 metres in length, with the capacity to carry up to180 passengers. They will be equipped with USB charging points and have on-board WiFi, and will be capable of flash charging in under six minutes at the end of the route. The pilot vehicle is expected to be ready for testing in Brisbane in 2020. Following the successful trial, Brisbane will have the option to purchase 59 additional vehicles from Hess, with services expected to commence in late 2023.

Hess’s innovative electric buses are already operating in cities including Geneva, where ABB has also supplied fast-charging stations. Recently, the French city of Nantes opened an e-busway with Hess vehicles.