Electric city bus recharging at the bus charge station, connected with a power cable.

Major EV Upgrades to Perth Bus Depot

The transition to electric transportation in Australia is gaining momentum, with significant projects underway to electrify bus depots nationwide. One initiative is the comprehensive overhaul of Perth's Malaga bus depot, which is positioned to become Western Australia's largest and fully retrofitted electric bus charging facility. This project is a significant step toward the region’s shift towards a zero-emission public transport system.

Addelec (formerly Gemtek) has been awarded the contract to supply and install electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and software that will allow the depot to charge up to 90 electric buses.

The Evolution of EV Infrastructure in Western Australia

The push towards electrification is not new in Western Australia, with electric buses already debuting on Perth roads. In 2022, the Joondalup depot underwent a partial upgrade to support the trial of four electric buses. This trial proved successful, with the buses carrying over 440,000 passengers and covering over 380,000 kilometres while saving an estimated 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Addelec played a key role in the project by integrating the charging infrastructure into the existing grid network and meeting the growing needs of the bus fleet. The solution involved installing ABB’s Terra124 chargers, a 100kW solar array, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for added resilience. Addelec's design included upgrading the existing site supply and provisioning of the site for future installation of EV chargers. The system is also enhanced with cloud connectivity and remote monitoring for 24/7 oversight.

The success of the Joondalup trial has paved the way for more ambitious projects, including the electrification of the Malaga bus depot. The goal is to meet the charging needs of the current fleet and accommodate the planned expansion of electric buses.

This upgrade is part of a larger $250 million joint initiative by the federal and state governments. The Federal Government has committed $125 million to assist with the transition to an electric bus network, while the Western Australian Government is investing $125 million in acquiring electric buses and providing the electrical infrastructure and EV charging hardware required. This concerted effort reflects Australia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the sustainability of its public transport systems.

Future Implications for EV Charging and Public Transport in WA

The Malaga Bus Depot upgrade is only the beginning of a broader push to electrify bus depots across Western Australia. Joondalup North of Perth was the first depo to install EV chargers, Elizabeth Quay in the Perth CBD is currently undergoing upgrades for up to 18 electric buses. Malaga will be the first fully electrified depot, and it will serve as a model for future projects. The Public Transport of WA is planning similar upgrades to other depots to accommodate an increasingly electrified bus network.

The rollout of 130 electric buses, locally manufactured by Volgren Australia, is part of the state’s commitment to green public transport. The investment in EV infrastructure also provides opportunities for future scalability, enabling the depots to adapt to the growing number of electric buses over the coming years.

Western Australia’s approach could serve as a template for successfully integrating EVs into public transport as other states begin to ramp up their own EV charging infrastructure. The lessons learned from the Joondalup and Malaga projects will inform future efforts to create sustainable, zero-emission public transport systems across Australia.

Addelec’s Expertise in EV Charging Infrastructure

For the Malaga Bus Depot project, Addelec’s role extends to providing end-to-end services integrating advanced energy management and sustainable technologies to support the depot’s transition to electrification.

With deep expertise in EV ChargePoint installation and integration, Addelec excels in managing large-scale projects that involve complex grid connections and require seamless interaction between existing electrical systems and new charging infrastructure.

Addelec’s approach includes advanced load management solutions, which balance the power demands of charging multiple buses overnight without straining the local grid. By optimising the charging process, Addelec supports efficient energy use to minimise operational costs and maintain high reliability. In conjunction with this, Addelec integrates renewable energy sources, such as solar power, with battery storage systems to improve the charging infrastructure's sustainability and resilience.

One key aspect of Addelec's approach is project management. The company handles every stage of the EV charging project, from initial planning and site assessments to grid connections, design, and installation.

Addelec’s in-house engineering team meticulously plans and executes all aspects of the installation, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring that the system is operational within the required timeframe. Our focus on turnkey solutions means that the Malaga project will be delivered as a fully operational EV charging system, ready to support the depot’s fleet of electric buses immediately upon completion.

Addelec also strongly emphasises maintenance and support, providing long-term Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) services to ensure that the depot's EV charging infrastructure remains fully operational and efficient. With 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities, any issues can be detected and resolved quickly, minimising downtime and extending the charging equipment's lifespan.

Additionally, Addelec offers Charge Point Software solutions that enable real-time monitoring and control of the charging infrastructure. This software allows for managing billing, tariffs, and energy consumption so the depot’s operations run smoothly and cost-effectively.

The Path to Sustainable Public Transport

The electrification of the Malaga Bus Depot represents a significant step forward in transforming Perth’s public transport system. Addelec plays an instrumental role in this transition through innovative EV charging solutions and large-scale infrastructure upgrades. With its investment in sustainable transport infrastructure, Western Australia is reducing its carbon footprint and improving its residents' quality of life.

Continued investment in EV charging infrastructure, combined with public-private partnerships like those between the state government, local businesses, and companies like Addelec, will be key to the success of future electrification projects. As Perth’s bus depots become increasingly electrified, the city is paving the way for a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable public transport system.