First Electric Buses Enter Perth’s Suburban Network as WA Moves Toward Diesel Phase-Out

Perth’s wider suburban bus network has welcomed its first fleet of electric buses, marking a significant step in Western Australia’s push to eliminate diesel-powered vehicles. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti called it an important milestone in the state’s transition to cleaner transportation.

Eleven electric buses are now operational out of Transperth’s Malaga depot, which is currently undergoing a $12 million upgrade to support the new infrastructure. Already, 16 charging stations have been installed at the depot, with an additional 90 expected to be completed by the end of September. The upgrade will make Malaga the largest EV bus charging hub in the state, featuring solar panels and batteries to sustainably power the facility.

In a notable milestone, Minister Saffioti announced that the last diesel bus produced in Western Australia was completed at Malaga just a few weeks ago. The government aims to have all diesel buses phased out by 2043.

Each electric bus can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge, reducing approximately 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Saffioti highlighted that upgrades to other depots, including Karrinyup, Claisebrook, and a new EV depot in Bayswater, are already in progress or planned.

She emphasized the environmental and economic benefits, stating, “Not only are electric buses cleaner and better for the environment, but they’re also cheaper to operate in the long term, providing better value for WA taxpayers.” She added, “Each bus uses about 22,000 liters of diesel per year, so switching to electric results in massive savings.”