Powering Auckland’s Electric Future:
How DGE Helped Kinetic Expand Its Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure
Aucklanders are never short of opinions about public transport. Behind the scenes, though, there’s a huge amount of work underway to make the network more reliable, efficient and future-ready.
As electric buses become an increasingly important part of the city’s public transport fleet, operators like Kinetic need infrastructure that can support this transition efficiently, safely and reliably.
The Halsey Street Bus Depot, Stage 3 of Kinetics’ electric bus charging expansion, was designed to do exactly that.
The project introduced a new overhead gantry charging system that allows electric buses to charge directly beneath the structure, maximising depot space while increasing charging capacity. It was an innovative solution, but delivering it within a live operational depot presented significant challenges.
To help bring the project to life, Kinetic engaged DGE to manage and deliver the critical infrastructure foundations and electrical works required to support the new charging system.
Because when you’re building infrastructure for the future, there is no room for shortcuts.
The Challenge
Expanding charging capacity without disrupting daily operations
For Kinetic, the goal was clear: increase charging capability for the growing electric bus fleet while maintaining efficient depot operations.
Traditional charging systems often require significant ground-level infrastructure that consumes valuable space. At Halsey Street, the solution was an overhead gantry system capable of supporting 22 charging units suspended above the buses.
The concept was simple.
The execution was not.
The gantry structure required substantial foundations capable of supporting the weight of the overhead charging equipment while remaining structurally secure for long-term operation.
Complicating matters further, the project was being delivered within a fully operational bus depot.
Every day, buses needed to continue entering, exiting and operating safely around active construction zones. Existing underground services, infrastructure constraints and council compliance requirements added another layer of complexity.
This wasn’t a case of building on a blank site.
It was about upgrading critical infrastructure while ensuring Kinetic could continue delivering transport services to Aucklanders without interruption.
The Scope
Building the foundations for the next generation of public transport
DGE’s role centred on delivering the infrastructure required to support the new overhead charging system.
The project included:
- Managing and coordinating specialist piling contractors
- Drilling foundations approximately 13 metres into the ground
- Installing large reinforced concrete pile structures and foundation pads
- Coordinating council inspections and compliance requirements
- Managing underground service conflicts and site constraints
- Trenching from the existing switchboard to the gantry structure
- Preparing electrical infrastructure to support 22 overhead charging units
- Planning future integration with the depot’s existing electrical network and load management systems
The overhead charging design provides a significant operational advantage for Kinetic.
Rather than occupying valuable ground space with traditional charging infrastructure, buses can simply drive beneath the gantry and connect to charging systems lowered from above. The result is a more efficient depot layout, improved vehicle movement and greater scalability as electric fleets continue to expand.
The Delivery
Making complex happen in a live transport environment
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring construction activities could coexist with daily depot operations.
With buses continuing to move throughout the site, safety and planning became critical.
Work zones needed to be carefully isolated, excavation areas secured and temporary protections put in place to ensure both depot staff and DGE personnel could operate safely. At the same time, project timelines needed to be maintained without impacting depot functionality.
The technical complexity also extended below ground.
During construction, the team encountered existing underground infrastructure, including water services and historical site constraints that required adjustments to the installation approach. Rather than allowing these issues to delay progress, DGE coordinated specialist contractors, worked closely with stakeholders and developed practical solutions to keep the project moving forward.
This project was unlike a typical commercial electrical installation.
It required DGE to source specialist piling expertise, manage multiple stakeholders, coordinate council inspections and oversee complex structural foundation works alongside electrical infrastructure planning.
In short, it was exactly the type of project DGE specialises in.
Making complex happen.
The Outcome
Supporting a smarter, more sustainable transport network
Once complete, the new charging infrastructure will help Kinetic continue expanding its electric bus fleet while making better use of existing depot space.
The overhead gantry charging system increases operational efficiency, supports future fleet growth and reduces the footprint typically required for large-scale charging infrastructure.
For Kinetic, this means greater flexibility as demand for electric transport continues to grow.
For Auckland Transport, it supports the ongoing transition toward a lower-emission public transport network.
And for Auckland commuters, it helps ensure the infrastructure needed to power the city’s transport future is already being built today.
Through proactive project management, specialist coordination and a solution-focused approach, DGE helped deliver the critical infrastructure required to support the next generation of public transport.
Because future-ready infrastructure isn’t just about powering vehicles.
It’s about powering the communities that rely on them every day.
