In total, Kinetic will operate 201 zero-emission buses over the life of the contract, including 125 new vehicles entering service in 2027. A total of 165 electric buses will be deployed from day one. According to Kinetic, the contract marks its largest award in Auckland to date.
The new fleet will also include lightweight electric double-decker buses. According to the company, the design includes using ‘advanced aerospace-grade aluminium technology,’ which reduces vehicle weight while maintaining ‘strength and passenger capacity, supporting more efficient operations and long-term network sustainability across Auckland.’
The contract retains Kinetic’s central and east Auckland services while integrating additional eastern routes into its operations. The three central units will run for 11 years, while the eastern unit will operate for 8.6 years. Services in the eastern unit are scheduled to begin in December 2026, followed by the central Auckland routes in July 2027.
The company already operates more than 630 buses across the Auckland network. The deployment of the new units supports Auckland Transport’s Low Emission Bus Roadmap, which targets a fully zero-emission bus fleet in the city by 2035.
Under the contract, Kinetic will invest more than NZD121 million (€61.6 million) in zero-emission buses as well as depot upgrades and expanded charging infrastructure. This includes the installation of a second overhead gantry charging system at the company’s City depot, building on the country’s first large-scale gantry installation at Kinetic’s Glenfield facility.
“This is a landmark contract for Kinetic and a major step forward for zero-emission public transport in Auckland,” said Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards. “We are investing in the fleet, depot infrastructure and people required to support Auckland Transport’s decarbonisation objectives and the city’s continued growth.”
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Auckland Transport, retaining our central services while integrating additional eastern routes into our operations,” added Calum Haslop, Managing Director of Kinetic New Zealand. “This contract delivers a fully electric fleet across the isthmus from day one and represents a significant investment in modern fleet, depot infrastructure and operational systems to support a reliable, customer-focused network.”