Foton Mobility will partner in a short four-week battery electric bus trial with leading Hunter Region transport operator Port Stephens Coaches and the University of Newcastle.
The short four-week trial will use the Foton Battery Electric City Bus to test the suitability of the vehicle for use in the regular scheduled passenger services between Newcastle City and the University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus.
Boasting seating for 44 and peak power of 245kW, the Foton Battery Electric City Bus uses a CATL battery which can be fully charged within 90 minutes using a 240kW DC fast charger.
The Foton electric bus will replace one of the two hybrid shuttles that the University of Newcastle offers as part of its inter Campus NUspace Shuttle that runs between Newcastle City and Callaghan Campus.
The BEV shuttle will be used for pick-up and drop-off for both staff and students. The trial is expected to end August 4.
“The trial will help us determine the vehicle requirements and best practices to successfully run the University Shuttle Bus whilst moving forward towards a common net zero goal,” said Iain Dorward, FMD heavy vehicle sales manager.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.