Kinetic New Zealand unveils the country’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus

Kinetic New Zealand is proud to announce the arrival of the country’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus. Developed through a strategic partnership between global automotive innovator Geely and Kinetic, this groundbreaking vehicle represents a major step forward in sustainable public transport and is set to enter service with Environment Canterbury as part of a trial.

This innovative bus is the first electric double-decker in New Zealand that meets weight compliance without requiring a permit. The new vehicle, which was built leveraging Volvo’s (a Geely owned company) world-leading research & development, and safety standards, marks a significant technology milestone for Aotearoa by combining global EV engineering expertise with local operational insight. The result is a bus built specifically for this country’s roads, networks, and regulatory environment. 

“This is a game-changer for zero-emission public transport in New Zealand,” said Calum Haslop, Managing Director, 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.”

Built using aerospace-grade aluminium technology, similar to that used in the Airbus A380, the bus delivers a stronger and lighter frame than traditional steel construction. It reduces road wear, tyre and brake use, and energy consumption, improving operational efficiency.

Kayne Bass, Executive General Manager, Electrification (ANZ), who led the Kinetic project team, said working alongside Geely on the project has been a highlight of his career to date. “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.”

The milestone follows an intensive 18-month development and testing programme, during which four prototypes were built to refine performance, safety, and compliance for New Zealand conditions. Backed by $6M USD of R&D investment, the project has delivered a market-leading solution built on outstanding design and technological achievement. 

Commenting on the partnership, Helena Lee, General Manager JW Group (the local agent for Geely buses) said New Zealand has one of the most demanding markets for double-decker electric buses and no existing double-decker EV platform in the world could meet New Zealand’s Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule limits. “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.”

Canterbury Regional Council Chair Dr Deon Swiggs said he was looking forward to seeing the benefits the new bus will bring to customers, local infrastructure and the region’s sustainability goals.

“It’s exciting that we’re the first region to host this next-generation electric double-decker,” Chair Swiggs said.

“Customers can look forward to riding on the new bus on some of our key Metro routes from early next year,” he said.

Key features

• First of its kind in New Zealand: The only electric double-decker able to meet weight compliance without a permit.
• Designed for NZ conditions: Tailored to local roads, regulatory requirements and operational challenges.
• Lightweight aluminium frame and composite materials: Aerospace-grade materials for maximum durability, efficiency and reduced road impact.
• Advanced battery technology: Industry-leading CATL BC5 Generation II LiFePO4 batteries with a 15-year life guarantee.
• Smart charging system: Five charging sockets, capable of four port, simultaneous high-capacity fast-charging.  The four sockets can deliver up to 650kW.
• Configurable battery options: Flexibility for peak-only or long-range route needs.
• Trial with Environment Canterbury: First deployment in Christchurch to support local sustainability goals.