The GoZero initiative is gaining national traction as it transitions to a zero-emission model

For GoZero Group, 2024 was set to be another year of rapid growth. In February, the group, which includes local OEM Nexport, announced it had secured $80 million in asset financing from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to support its ambitious growth targets. A month later, Nexport was named a preferred bus supplier on Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) Panel 4 order list.

Now, following recent management appointments including former Red Bus Services CEO Leanne Griffiths, Nexport is expanding its electric bus capabilities to support TfNSW’s Regional and Countryside (ROM) trials.

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As part of the new regional zero emission bus trials in NSW, GoZero Group, through Nexport, will supply electric buses to both Dyson Group and Edwards’ Coaches for testing in the NSW towns of Deniliquin and Armidale. The trial involves two 57-seat Nexport electric buses and two 25-seat Nexport models, with the vehicles set to begin operating in the Greater Riverina and New England regions later this year.

GoZero Managing Director Stephen Cartwright said the NSW Government’s expressions of interest process had been thorough and the selection of Nexport enabled it to design its electric buses and coaches to suit regional conditions.

“During the test, certain items were required to be used, such as rollover guards and anti-rollover shields, which are designed to protect the windows from impacts from wildlife, rocks and stones,” Cartwright said. ABC.

“We have also designed a battery solution to ensure the bus can meet its range requirements and as part of the work we are providing Dysons and Edwards’ Coaches with the necessary charging infrastructure to provide the range needed for driving around the local area.”

More generally across the fleet, one feature of the Nexport models is the use of underfloor batteries (instead of the typical roof-mounted batteries), which provides a stronger but lighter structure. Cartwright says this modification has made the models even easier to drive and, thanks to their low centre of gravity, more stable.

Thanks to these innovations, Nexport coaches can cover a distance of up to 500 km on a single charge.

This flexibility is at the heart of Nexport’s capabilities, with Cartwright emphasising that its local solutions (including manufacturing, engineering and design) mean it can tailor its models to meet the varying requirements of transport operators.

Whether it’s adding extra torque to the vehicle to help it climb steep gradients or high-tech safety features such as a fire-resistant floor and seat belts as standard, this versatility was a key reason Nexport was shortlisted for TfNSW procurement.

With seatbelt detection systems installed alongside a safety package that includes emergency braking, lane departure warning, driver fatigue monitors and a camera that Cartwright says is more effective at preventing collisions than a bird’s eye view, the Nexport range is not only environmentally friendly but also incredibly safe to drive and travel in.

“Our buses are designed with a large window near the front door so drivers can see if anyone is in their blind spot,” Cartwright says.

The system normally sends warnings both inside and outside the vehicle.

“We always say Nexport CARES – meaning our models are convenient, accessible, reliable, efficient and safe,” Cartwright says.

Nexport’s focus on local products, sustainability and the latest safety technologies will remain a priority as GoZero Group continues to expand into the Australian market.

“GoZero Group, with its latest Nexport vehicle technology, offers a complete package for operators looking to introduce electric buses into a variety of environments, from cities to regions and suburbs,” says Cartwright.

“Our electric buses have already covered more than six million kilometres on city routes, so we have extensive operational experience in electric transport.

“As a local OEM we can select components and options that are ideally suited to Australian conditions. We have a number of global and domestic suppliers of components for our buses.

“We are also constantly changing our models to reduce weight even further, because we know that the future of emission-free transport is in kilograms, not kilowatts.”

The choice of lightweight body construction has allowed GoZero Group to specify Australian steel for its buses and coaches. This means the lower structure starts with Australian components, with the plan being to steadily increase the local content over time.

In line with the Australian Government’s “Made in Australia” agenda, GoZero plans to expand its manufacturing operations on the east coast.

Beyond the vehicle manufacturing side, GoZero Group is also strengthening its deep understanding of operational circumstances to help operators transition to zero emissions. The GoZero team’s combined extensive operational experience and broad partner ecosystem enables them to advise and deliver the right charging infrastructure options for operators in a variety of environments.

While GoZero Group is rapidly expanding into the public sector with the inclusion of Nexport in Panel 4 and the TfNSW ROM zero emission bus trials, it is also continuing to expand into the private sector, having just completed the delivery of 16 electric buses to Swissport to upgrade its fleet that supplies Qantas transport services.

As part of its sustainable growth strategy, Swissport will invest more than AUD5 million in environmentally friendly electric ground support equipment for its operations in Australia and New Zealand in 2024. By the end of next year, almost half of Swissport’s fleet in the region will be electric, in line with the company’s global commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“Our partnership with Swissport is an example of the flexibility that comes with working with a local OEM like Nexport – these buses are purpose-built for the transportation of people and luggage at airports,” says Cartwright.

Thanks to Nexport’s innovative and flexible bus and coach models and GoZero’s extensive offering, the group has established itself as a trusted partner for operators at every stage of building a zero-emission bus fleet.

“GoZero Group continues to evolve and grow,” Cartwright says.

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