Cape Town’s Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) has unveiled ambitious plans to transition to an all-Electric Vehicle (EV) fleet. The company aims to integrate 60 electric buses annually into its lineup starting from 2024, gradually replacing its existing fleet of 1,100 diesel-powered vehicles.
In April 2021, GABS initiated its EV journey by introducing a BYD K9 electric bus on a trial basis in the city. This move was aimed at assessing the viability of electric buses for commuting in and around Cape Town. Following the trial’s success, an additional unit was acquired in September 2022 to meet the specialized operational requirements.
The company has been actively reducing its carbon footprint since 2017 through the installation of grid-tied solar panels at six of its Cape Town depots. This solar installation has led GABS to become a net electricity generator, boasting a peak generation capacity of 1.7 megawatts peak (MWp).
GABS’s initial trial phase involving 37 and 65-seater electric buses along major commuter routes in Cape Town proved highly successful. The electric BYD buses demonstrated their ability to handle challenging terrains, including steep inclines such as Hospital Bend on the M3. Passengers lauded the quiet and comfortable ride, as well as improved air quality at bus stops due to the absence of emissions.
The transition to electric buses showcased promising financial benefits for GABS. The company found that switching to electric could yield savings of over R657,000 annually on fuel costs alone, along with substantial reductions of 50% in spare parts expenses and 80% in oils and lubricants. Despite higher upfront costs for battery-powered buses compared to diesel counterparts, these savings were projected to offset the initial investment within two to eight years.
The electric buses are equipped with two electric motors offering a combined peak output of 300 kW and 1,100 Nm, linked to a 324 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack. With these specifications, the buses reach a top speed of 100 km/h, cover a range of 300 km, and require three hours for a 0-100% charge on an 80 kW DC fast-charging connector.
Having established the viability of electric buses in South Africa, GABS intends to begin replacing its entire diesel fleet in 2024. The company plans to transition 60 vehicles annually using local manufacturers and imported chassis. This strategy aims to convert the entire fleet over approximately 18 years, with an estimated annual investment of R324 to R486 million, resulting in a total investment of at least R5.8 billion.
This transition aligns with GABS’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with public transport. The company’s current diesel fleet consumes over 25 million liters of diesel annually and emits approximately 67.3 tonnes of CO2, covering a total distance of 65 million kilometers.
To facilitate this transition, GABS will need to significantly increase its renewable energy generation capacity from the current 1.7 MW. The company is exploring options such as solar carports and ground-mounted solar installations to meet the increased energy demand. Additionally, GABS plans to develop an electric bus charging strategy that optimizes charging times at depots to minimize disruptions to service.
GABS is also serving as a model for the City of Cape Town’s sustainability efforts. The city is considering adopting electric buses for its MyCiti fleet, consisting of 374 buses, in line with its Carbon Neutral 2050 Commitment and Climate Change Action Plan, which envisions a fully electric public transport system by 2050.
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