Prasarana targeting 100% EV bus fleet by 2037 – report

Prasarana is targeting to have a fully electric bus fleet by 2037, reports The Star. The transition is set to be implemented in phases, taking into account infrastructure ­preparedness, energy supply systems, operation costs and service needs.

“There are no plans to procure new diesel-powered buses. The focus will instead be on acquiring electric buses for future fleet expansion and replacement,” a Prasarana spokesperson told the English-language daily when contacted.

Prasarana subsidiary Rapid Bus has awarded a contract for the procurement of 250 EV buses. The first batch is expected to begin operations next month. The Sunway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service has been using EV buses since its 2015 inception – it’s the world’s first BRT with fully electric buses on an elevated route.

“This implementation demonstrates that electric bus technology is both viable and effective within the local operating ­environment,” Prasarana told The Star.

Transport minister Anthony Loke said earlier this year that at over RM1 million a unit, EV buses are on average almost twice as expensive as diesel buses to procure.

By 2030, Prasarana aims to roll out 1,045 EV buses, or 30% of its entire fleet, in KL and Penang.

Rapid KL EV bus at IGEM 2023

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