Global bus manufacturer HESS has officially introduced its high-capacity, zero-emission vehicle, the lighTram 25, at the Bus Industry Confederation’s National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane.
Designed in Switzerland and tested extensively in Brisbane, the lighTram 25 boasts a capacity to carry 180 passengers – comparable to a tram or light rail but with the flexibility of an articulated bus.
HESS CEO Alex Naef highlighted that the Australian launch follows three years of rigorous design and testing, positioning the lighTram 25 as a central component of Brisbane City Council’s Brisbane Metro “turn-up-and-go” service.
“The lighTram® 25 on display at the Bus Show is proven locally and Australian Design Rules compliant. The vehicle has gone through more than a 1000-hours of on-road tests and through strong collaboration with Brisbane City Council, sets new standards for passenger accessibility, comfort and safety,” Naef explained.
The Brisbane showcase provides the bus industry with a firsthand look at the lighTram® 25’s spacious and high-capacity design.
With an early service launch scheduled for next month, attendees also had the chance to see the vehicle in action on Brisbane’s busways.
“The lighTram® 25 is a flexible, high-capacity, electric vehicle that can future-proof existing bus routes without the long lead-time and massive capital cost of having to construct the rails for them” Naef added.
He continued, “An opportunity to participate in the increasing demand of mobility and enable bus operators to continue as bus operators, using a lot of their existing expertise and infrastructure.”
Peter Dale, regional manager for HESS, noted that the launch aligns with global trends towards rapid mass transit solutions to address urban mobility challenges.
“The Brisbane Metro stands out as a pioneering project, combining the efficiency and capacity of light rail with the flexibility and lower infrastructure costs of bus-based systems,” Dale explained.
“Governments are now openly discussing Bus Rapid Transit as a flexible and cost-effective measure to increase capacity and move people quickly.”
The lighTram® 25 will be powered by Australia’s inaugural fast charging network at Brisbane City Council’s Rochedale Bus Depot.
This facility will house 15 x 600 kW flash charging stations, equipped with pantographs for automatic rooftop battery connection, allowing for a rapid charge in under six minutes.
Additionally, 60 CCS2 plug-in slow charging stations will be available.
Naef also emphasised the benefits of HESS’s CO-BOLT aluminium bus body system, which eliminates the need for welding and extends the lifespan of joints.
The design places high-voltage components on the roof, enhancing safety and capacity.
“Our philosophy is that HESS vehicles are there first and foremost to carry passengers, not batteries,” Naef said.
The bus features a low-floor design for accessible boarding, three large double doors for efficient passenger flow, and a dedicated driver’s compartment door.
To support the Australian launch, Volgren has renewed its 45-year partnership with HESS, offering local sales, technical support, and fit-out services.
