Brookvale has become the first bus depot in Sydney to be converted for gantry-mounted fast-charging, enabling electric buses to recharge in as little as 20 minutes.
Background
On 19 September 2025, the Brookvale Bus Depot on Sydney’s northern beaches was officially fitted with Australia’s first gantry-mounted fast-charging station for electric buses. This marks the first upgrade of Sydney’s 11 major depots and represents a key step in phasing out diesel buses by 2028.
Plans for the depot’s transition were first announced in late 2022, with Brookvale chosen as the pilot site. It currently operates 13 electric buses, which will grow to a full fleet of 229 battery-powered vehicles within three years.
Charging System and Capacity
The $25 million installation at Brookvale includes 13 pantograph charging positions and 10 plug-in chargers. Each bus can travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, with recharging possible in 20 minutes to one hour depending on conditions.
To support the facility, a 250kW rooftop solar system has been installed to power depot operations such as lighting. The depot’s wider electricity supply is planned to be sourced from renewable energy.
Expansion Across Sydney
The Brookvale project is part of a larger program to convert Sydney’s 8,000-strong bus fleet to battery electric power. Depots at Leichhardt and Kingsgrove are scheduled to install the same charging technology in 2026, while a new purpose-built facility is planned at Macquarie Park.
The program also includes regional trials, the delivery of a new depot at Macquarie Park, and the purchase of 1,200 new electric buses. From 2027, at least 50 per cent of bus production will include local Australian manufacturing content.
Community Impact
For northern beaches residents, the Brookvale conversion is expected to deliver quieter, cleaner, and more reliable services. The introduction of fast-charging allows buses to return to service quickly, improving frequency and reducing downtime.
Looking Ahead
By 2028, Brookvale is expected to operate a fully electric fleet of 229 buses. As additional depots complete their conversions, the move to zero-emission buses will progressively expand across Sydney, creating a long-term shift toward cleaner public transport.
Published 28-Sep-2025
