Dutch electric bus manufacturer Ebusco has launched its new operational Asia Pacific headquarters in Melbourne.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll welcomed the company’s announcement Friday, during the Ebusco 2.2 battery electric bus launch for right-hand drive markets, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
“Ebusco’s decision to set up its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Melbourne is a vote of confidence in our state’s nation-leading innovation and advanced manufacturing capabilities, as well as our leadership in cutting emissions,” Carroll said.
Founded in 2012, the vehicle manufacturer has deployed more than 450 zero-emission buses across seven European countries, including in the major cities of Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Munich.
Ebusco’s production takes place abroad but the company is looking into future manufacturing opportunities in Victoria, partnering with institutions like Deakin University to develop composite materials and aerospace technologies for the manufacturing of vehicles.
“Today marks an enormous step for our company as we launch our buses and services in the Australian marketplace. Soon our buses will contribute to Australian cities reducing their transport emissions,” Ebusco chief executive and founder Peter Bijvelds said.
The state of Victoria is aiming for all new buses from 2025 to be zero emissions as part of its Bus Plan. The government has also invested $20 million in a state-wide trial of zero-emissions buses to support the transition.
“Attracting industry leaders like Ebusco to set up and invest in Victoria creates high-skilled jobs and drives economic growth,” said Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas.
Victoria recently rolled out its Low-Carbon Manufacturing Grant Program to help Victorian manufacturers compete globally for renewable energy components, power the state’s transition to net zero, and create new jobs.
It also launched the Digital Jobs for Manufacturing Program to support internships and prepare over 300 Victorian workers to transition to new jobs that will be created as part of the state’s push to net zero.
