Rapid Bus is currently putting five new electric buses through their paces along the Sunway BRT line. This trial run is being carried out to ensure everything is running smoothly on the ground.
In a statement, Rapid Bus said the testing phase is part of the preparations for the upcoming phased deployment of 250 new electric buses.
5 EV buses are currently being tested on the Sunway BRT line
Rapid Bus shared that these five electric buses are undergoing rigorous evaluations to ensure they are fully ready for passenger service, with teams assessing aspects such as energy efficiency, battery performance, driving range, and charging systems, alongside passenger comfort, smoothness, and noise levels.
The testing phase allows operations teams to fine-tune charging logistics, evaluate driver familiarity, and monitor vehicle performance on the dedicated elevated transit corridor.
The introduction of the 250 new electric buses will take place in stages to upgrade public transportation networks.
Rapid Bus CEO Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki said in the statement that acquiring the new EV buses is a crucial step to modernize public transport, stating:
“The acquisition of these 250 new EV buses is an important step in efforts to renew the Rapid Bus fleet and improve service quality for users. The transition to electric technology reflects our commitment to continuously improving service quality and developing a more sustainable public transport system.” he said.
Beyond vehicle trials, Rapid Bus is also actively preparing charging infrastructure, maintenance facilities, technical training, and operational requirements.
The 250 EV buses are part of a wider rollout
The multi-unit procurement is part of Prasarana’s broader strategy to modernise public transit across major urban centers in Malaysia. Prasarana previously announced plans to introduce 250 electric buses as part of its ongoing fleet modernization efforts, targeting a completely electrified fleet by 2037.
These initiatives form a cornerstone of the government’s push toward sustainable urban mobility, with rollouts planned to progressively scale up across Rapid KL and other key operational areas.
Sunway BRT is already no stranger to electric buses
While these trials mark a major step toward expanding the modern EV inventory, the Sunway BRT line has actually been operating on electric power since it first launched.
As the world’s first fully electric Bus Rapid Transit system when it opened back in 2015, the line has long relied on eco-friendly transit solutions, making it a fitting testing ground for the latest generation of electric buses.
So if you spot a sleek, different-looking bus cruising along the Sunway BRT route, it’s likely one of the new EVs currently undergoing testing.
What do you think about seeing more electric buses on Malaysian roads? Let us know in the comments!
