Kinetic officially opens Victoria’s first overhead gantry-charged zero-emission bus depot

Kinetic has officially opened its new purpose-built Preston bus depot, marking a significant milestone in Melbourne's transition to zero-emission public transport.

The depot, constructed in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning under the new Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchise (MZF), features Victoria's first overhead gantry charging infrastructure – an innovative system at the forefront of electric bus technology in Australia.

Unlike traditional ground-mounted charging systems, the overhead gantry design suspends charging equipment from above, with pull-down cable reels to connect buses to charge ports.

The system is approximately 25% more space-efficient than conventional charging infrastructure, allowing the depot to maximise its zero-emission bus capacity.

The Preston gantry builds on Kinetic's proven track record in electric bus infrastructure, following the successful introduction of New Zealand's first large-scale overhead gantry charging system at its Glenfield depot in Auckland.

Kinetic now operates over 1,500 zero-emission buses across 33 ZEB depots worldwide.

Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said the company’s vision is to lead the transition to zero-emission public transport across every city Kinetic operates in.

“Preston is a prime example of how we're turning that vision into reality - bringing global expertise and proven technology to deliver cleaner, quieter journeys for local communities,” he said.

“We're committed to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to accelerate the shift to zero emissions transport across our global network."

Kinetic Managing Director (Australia) Matt Campbell said the official opening marks an exciting chapter in the company's long-term partnership with the Victorian Government.

"Today is a proud moment for our team and a testament to what can be achieved when government and industry work together towards a shared vision for sustainable public transport," said Mr Campbell.

"The Preston depot is a demonstration of our commitment to investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to deliver world-class zero-emission bus services for Melbourne."

Kinetic Executive General Manager – Electrification Kayne Baas said the depot positions Kinetic at the forefront of electric bus innovation in Australia.

"This facility showcases what modern zero-emission bus infrastructure looks like," said Mr Baas.

"The overhead gantry charging system delivers real operational benefits — from maximising depot space to reducing vehicle damage risks — while setting a new benchmark for electric bus depots across the country.

"Preston benefits from learnings we've gained through our global electric bus footprint, including our Glenfield depot in Auckland, where we introduced New Zealand's first large-scale overhead gantry system.

“We're proud to be bringing this technology to Victoria."

The depot's first zero-emission bus arrived in December 2025 and entered passenger service on 29 January 2026, with a total of 58 new zero-emission buses to be progressively introduced over the coming years. The entire Preston fleet will transition to zero-emission vehicles over the 10-year term.

Kinetic commenced MZF operations from Preston in July 2025, servicing 14 routes across Melbourne's northern suburbs. The company recruited over 120 drivers to operate the new franchise, with a significant number joining through Kinetic's Women Up Front trainee driver program.

Preston is Kinetic's fourth electric bus depot in Victoria and its 12th in Australia, reinforcing the company's position as the region's largest operator of zero-emission buses.