Ritchies and Zenobē have announced one of New Zealand’s largest electric bus rollouts which is set to transform Auckland’s public transport network.
Over the next nine months, 172 new electric buses will be deployed across the city, increasing Ritchies’ electric fleet by more than five times and significantly advancing New Zealand’s sustainability goals.
Zenobē, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) fleet electrification and battery management solutions, is spearheading the project’s infrastructure delivery.
The company will design, build, and operate six new electric bus depots spread across West and South Auckland.
The first depot opened on November 2, 2025, and all remaining depots are scheduled for completion by August 2026.
These depots are equipped with smart charging technology that optimises power use to minimise grid strain, supporting an efficient and sustainable operation.
Adding a modern twist to fleet management, Zenobē will introduce its innovative battery as a service (BaaS) offering, through which the company will finance and manage the lifecycle of the batteries across the entire fleet.
This model reduces upfront costs and operational risks for Ritchies, ensuring a seamless transition to zero-emission buses with expert battery maintenance and replacement services.
Gareth Ridge, Zenobē’s Country Director for Australia and New Zealand, framed the rollout as a transformative moment for New Zealand’s clean transport journey: “This is a defining moment for New Zealand’s clean transport journey.
“Through this partnership with Ritchies, we’re not only deploying one of the country’s largest electric bus fleets but also investing in local capability and infrastructure to ensure this transition is successful, scalable, and lasting.
“We’re proud to help set a new benchmark for sustainable public transport in Aotearoa.”
The ambitious project aligns with Auckland Transport’s fast-tracked network plans and broader zero-emissions objectives.
Early procurement activities are underway, with Zenobē’s local New Zealand team managing on-site delivery and supervising progress throughout the rollout.
By mid-2026, the buses and supporting depot infrastructure will be operational, boosting Auckland’s capacity for sustainable, noise-reduced, and low-emission public transit.
This initiative marks a significant leap for New Zealand’s national electric bus fleet, lifting the total number substantially and positioning both Ritchies and Zenobē as key partners in developing the large-scale infrastructure needed to support wide adoption of electric transport.
The project not only contributes to New Zealand’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 but also enhances the sustainability and efficiency of urban mobility, benefiting communities across Auckland.
For further context, Auckland currently leads Australasia in electric bus numbers, with over 220 electric buses already operating and plans to reach a fully electric bus fleet by 2035 through initiatives like the Low Emission Bus Roadmap.
The addition of Ritchies’ 172 new buses will accelerate progress towards these targets, contributing to cleaner air and quieter streets in New Zealand’s largest city.