Rapid Penang trials two electric buses ahead of phased rollout
The operator is procuring 75 EV buses in its first phase, with deliveries scheduled in stages through March 2027.
Rapid Penang conducted trials of two electric buses on October 6 and 7 as an initial move towards replacing Penang’s diesel buses with electric vehicles, according to Bernama.
The operator said the vehicles were a 12-metre Foton bus and an 8.25-metre Golden Dragon bus. Each would be tested separately on selected routes, with assessments covering energy use, charging performance, and passenger comfort and safety.
Rapid Penang said it would provide charging infrastructure and maintenance facilities, alongside training for staff and other operational support. Introduction of the electric buses would take place progressively following the trials.
Rapid Bus CEO Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki said the testing would give the operations team data and experience to evaluate the vehicles’ performance and operating requirements before deployment on existing routes.
The first procurement phase involves 75 EV buses, with staggered deliveries scheduled through March 2027. This forms part of Penang’s phased replacement programme covering 240 EV buses and 70 new diesel buses.
