Kinetic’s Glenfield depot leads the way with New Zealand’s first overhead gantry charging system

Kinetic has completed a major upgrade to its Glenfield depot, introducing New Zealand’s first-of-its-kind large-scale overhead gantry charging system. The gantry allows multiple zero emission buses to be charged efficiently, safely, and at scale, all within the existing depot footprint.

The depot now features seven ground-mounted charging points in addition to the gantry, enabling Kinetic to expand its electric bus operations while reducing pressure on the electricity grid. The depot’s smart technology ensures buses charge during off-peak hours, typically overnight, without putting Auckland’s energy supply at risk.

Glenfield is Kinetic’s fifth electrified depot in Auckland, joining New Lynn in West Auckland (Australasia’s largest all-electric bus depot), Panmure in East Auckland, Māngere in South Auckland, and the City depot. Together, these five depots support 174 zero emission buses, more than two-thirds of Auckland’s current electric fleet, with 19% of the city’s total bus fleet now electric.

Calum Haslop, Managing Director of Kinetic New Zealand, says:

“The introduction of 31 new zero emission buses to our Glenfield depot marks another important step in the evolution of Auckland’s public transport network. What makes this milestone particularly exciting is the integration of an overhead gantry charging system, which allows us to charge multiple vehicles efficiently, safely, and at scale within our existing depot footprint.

This level of innovation is essential as we help cities like Auckland transition to fully zero emission fleets. It’s not just about adding more zero emission buses to the road, it’s about designing smarter infrastructure and operating models that can support the future of public transport.

We’re proud to partner with Auckland Transport to bring these solutions to life, and to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more reliable journeys for the communities we serve today and, into the years ahead.”

Auckland Transport’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, says:

“We’re focused on providing Auckland’s communities with a transport system that is reliable, safe, reduces emissions and minimises impacts on air quality and the environment.

Right now, Auckland has more zero emission buses than any other city in Australasia. The addition of these 31 new buses, and the associated electric infrastructure as part of our Mission Electric programme, will help us to achieve a fully zero emission bus fleet by 2035, following our Low Emission Bus Roadmap.”

The 31 new zero emission buses are now in service, replacing 31 diesel buses at Glenfield, and marking another milestone in Kinetic’s commitment to delivering smarter, cleaner, and quieter journeys for Auckland communities.