ELECTRIC buses are set to join Newcastle's service in the coming months as part of a government plan to transition the state's fleet.
Newcastle Transport will receive three "zero emissions" buses - the first in NSW outside Sydney - which will have the capacity to undertake a full day of service on a single charge.
"These buses have a range of 400 kilometers which means the quality of service will not be affected at all by the move," Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said at Hamilton Bus Depot on Tuesday.
"The NSW Government is committed to transitioning the state's fleet of more than 8000 diesel and gas buses to zero emissions technology.
"Electric buses will deliver a more sustainable transport option for the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie communities, encouraging more people to make the switch to public transport."
Hamilton Bus Depot will undergo upgrades to its infrastructure in order to accommodate chargers for the the buses' 400kWh of usable energy capacity.
As part of the government's "desire to make pollution-free public transport the norm", Mr Elliot said there are plans to install solar panels to power the depot's chargers.
On top of touted environmental benefits, Mr Elliot described the buses as "very low noise emitters".
"The feedback that we've already had from commuters in Sydney is that Newcastle should expect a much smoother ride," he said.
"The ability for those who live in the Hunter that love their al fresco dining outside won't be burdened by buses driving past."
BusTech Group are manufacturing the vehicles and CEO Dan Marks said the company was proud to be doing so in Australia.
"This creates lasting economic benefits, generates employment opportunities for Australians and ensures the lowest carbon footprint possible," Mr Marks said.
Looking back on the town's industrial legacy, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said Newcastle was a "fitting place to have the future of transport".
"Newcastle is still moving from the steel city that it was to be the smart city it's being built into," Mr Martin said.
According to Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Emmanuel Genlot, the buses will look very similar to those currently in operation.
However, Mr Genlot said the quieter, smoother ride gives "Novocoastrians another reason to leave the car at home".
"It's good for the environment it's good for health and it's good for our customers," Mr Genlot said.
"We are ready and really proud to be part of this change."
The Newcastle Herald was informed the buses' cost is "commercial in confidence and cannot be disclosed".
