Lightweight electric double-decker debuts in New Zealand through Kinetic–Geely partnership

Kinetic New Zealand has unveiled the country’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus designed to meet weight compliance without requiring a special permit.

Developed through a partnership between Kinetic and global automotive group Geely, the electric double-decker represents a New Zealand first in addressing regulatory mass limits that have previously constrained the deployment of high-capacity electric buses.

Kinetic and Geely for DD e-bus development

The vehicle will enter trial service with Environment Canterbury, becoming the first electric double-decker in the country able to operate within existing weight rules without exemptions. According to Kinetic, one of Australasia’s largest public transport operators, this removes a key operational and regulatory barrier for zero-emission double-deckers in urban networks.

The bus draws on research, development and safety standards from Volvo Cars, part of the Geely group, combining global electric vehicle engineering with local operational requirements. Kinetic states that the bus is “built using aerospace-grade aluminium technology, similar to that used in the Airbus A380, and delivers a stronger and lighter frame than traditional steel construction. It reduces road wear, tyre and brake use, and energy consumption, improving operational efficiency”.

The project followed an 18-month development and testing program involving four prototypes and around US$6 million in R&D investment. The resulting vehicle has been engineered specifically for New Zealand conditions, with passenger services expected to begin on selected Canterbury Metro routes early next year.

The bus is equipped with CATL BC5 Generation II LiFePO4 batteries, covered by a 15-year life guarantee, with configurable battery options to suit peak-only or long-range route requirements, Kinetic states. A smart charging system enables simultaneous fast-charging through up to four of its five charging ports, delivering a combined capacity of up to 650kW.

“This is a game-changer for zero-emission public transport in New Zealand,” said Calum Haslop, Managing Director of Kinetic New Zealand. “By partnering with Geely, we’ve created a vehicle that doesn’t just meet New Zealand’s regulatory standards, it exceeds them. This is what happens when global expertise meets local innovation. It’s lighter, safer, smarter to charge, and designed for the unique challenges of our cities.”

Kayne Bass, Executive General Manager, Electrification (ANZ), who led the Kinetic project team, said that “The speed of innovation at Geely is astounding. As a partner they were incredibly responsive to feedback at every stage of the project. Each time we encountered an obstacle, or something didn’t quite work the way we expected, it became a learning and platform for high-velocity development. We had a shared goal of accelerating New Zealand’s low-emissions public transport future, and the result will be transformational for public transport across our urban centres.”

Helena Lee, General Manager of JW Group (the local agent for Geely buses) adds: “We have over 30 core engineers from across the industry working on this project, including members of our aerospace engineering team. Everyone was fully dedicated, collaborating across time zones in real time to ensure optimal performance, long-term durability, and application of special technology. The end result is down to a relentless development process lasting nearly two years. This is a machine, purpose-built for New Zealand, engineered for compliance, designed for longevity, and shaped by collaboration between Geely, and Kinetic at the highest technical level ever committed by Geely to an overseas project. We couldn’t be prouder to see it arrive in Aotearoa.”