NSW Government electric bus contract to fast track manufacturing hub on South Coast
Australian owned heavy vehicle manufacturer Foton Mobility Distribution will manufacture 126 battery electric buses to service Greater Sydney routes at a new site following a contract awarded by the NSW Government.
An unprecedented investment in electric bus production, announced yesterday by the NSW Government, aims to provide long-term benefits for the transport sector and the regional economy while contributing to the state’s transition to cleaner public transport.
The contract for 126 electric buses from Foton Mobility Distribution is part of the NSW Government’s Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) program. With the ultimate aim of converting 11 existing depots in Greater Sydney to battery electric technology, build a new depot at Macquarie Park, and procure about 1,200 new electric buses by 2028, Transport for NSW is delivering the program in stages, working with industry to expand local manufacturing capability.
Premier Chris Minns said the decision to manufacture locally is a shift from previous offshoring practices. “The offshoring of public transport by the former government was a complete disaster, which is why we’re building these buses here in NSW – creating local jobs and public transport that works.”
The new facility in Nowra marks a step towards increasing domestic manufacturing in NSW, ensuring that future public transport projects provide opportunities for local workers and suppliers. Member for South Coast Liza Butler welcomed the investment, noting that the new bus factory in Nowra will not only supply fantastic employment opportunities once fully operational, but will also enable the re-skilling and upskilling of many workers who wish to be a part of the transition to zero emissions transport.
Foton's South Nowra facility will be 6,000 square metres and is expected to start construction in late 2025, subject to council approval. The facility will build buses, but also produce battery electric trucks and hydrogen fuel cell engines, creating around 100 ongoing skilled jobs for local workers.
Foton Mobility Distribution is an Australian-owned distributor of electric and hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles. The company has experience supplying zero-emission transport solutions, including commissioning Australia’s first commercial hydrogen city bus in 2021. Foton partners with energy and infrastructure companies such as Ampol, BP Australia, Ark Energy, and BOC Gas to expand hydrogen transport supply chains.
