Councillor Condemns ‘Anti-EV Propaganda’ Following Fatal Bus Fire

Auckland Councillor Condemns Misinformation Following Fatal Electric Bus Collision

An Auckland councillor has voiced strong concerns about the spread of misinformation following a fatal crash involving an Auckland Transport electric bus last week. The incident, which occurred on Tāmaki Drive last Wednesday, resulted in the death of the bus driver after the vehicle caught fire following a collision with a car.

North Shore councillor Richard Hills expressed disappointment at what he described as “bizarre anti-EV propaganda” circulating on social media platforms in the aftermath of the tragedy. Taking to social media himself, Hills sought to reassure the public that using public transportation remains safe.

“Just like all types of vehicles, there will be times we sadly have EV bus collisions and/or fires, and we know batteries can be harder to put out,” Hills stated. “That’s why there are fire safety systems and technology built in and around the batteries.”

Fire and Emergency officials have confirmed that the blaze originated in the car’s engine, not the bus’s electrical systems. Bus operator Kinetic further clarified that an investigation determined the bus batteries remained undamaged and were not a contributing factor in the fire.

Hills emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in Auckland’s transportation system. He cited data from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia showing that electric vehicles are statistically less likely to catch fire compared to conventional petrol vehicles, though incidents involving either type remain rare.

To counter misconceptions, the councillor pointed to previous incidents involving traditional vehicles. “In August, we had an old diesel bus catch fire on the Shore. Two years ago, another diesel caught fire on Fanshawe St,” Hills noted. “Ten days ago, 28 cars caught fire at Whāngarei Hospital and were completely ruined by a hot exhaust starting a fire. None of those horrible incidents mean we should ban diesel vehicles.”

The councillor defended Auckland’s ongoing transition to electric buses, explaining that the initiative aims to reduce emissions, operating costs, noise pollution, and air pollution throughout the city, particularly in densely populated areas like the city center and suburban town centers.

Auckland Transport has been progressively introducing electric buses to its fleet as part of broader sustainability goals. This transition aligns with New Zealand’s climate action plans, which include reducing carbon emissions from public transportation and moving toward more environmentally friendly transit options.

Hills expressed concern about the real-world impact of misinformation, particularly during sensitive periods following incidents where people have been injured or killed. He urged the public to verify information through reliable sources and consider waiting for official details before forming conclusions.

“People have different opinions and that’s OK, but I do worry that sometimes people can be so clouded by those views they forget there are real people dealing with things like this on the other end,” Hills said.

Police authorities have confirmed their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, with further details expected as the inquiry progresses.

The incident has highlighted the challenges facing public transportation authorities as they navigate the transition to electric vehicle fleets while managing public perception and safety concerns. Transport experts note that while electric buses represent a growing segment of public transit worldwide, incidents like this can potentially influence public confidence despite statistical safety records.