NSW to get electric bus factory

Zero-emissions transport company Nexport has announced it will build an electric vehicle plant in the South Highlands of New South Wales (NSW). 

The $A700 million facility will be built on a 51-hectare site in the town of Moss Vale. The construction work alone is expected to employ 700 people and, once operational, Nexport expects the site to create more than 2000 skilled jobs over the next five years. In doing so, it hopes to alleviate some of the employment and social challenges in such regional towns.

The company, which claims to be the leading domestic electric vehicle producer and supplier, specialises in the production of electric buses. It is also Australia and New Zealand’s official partner with Chinese multinational and electric vehicle specialist BYD.

Reportedly, Nexport’s Moss Vale plant will initially produce electric buses for local and export markets – the burgeoning nature of which could generate a significant economic boost for the state. Plans for the site include the production of electric trucks and cars, potentially creating more jobs and income. 

“We’re now going through the phase of architectural drawings and engaging with the council and local community,” said Nexport CEO Luke Todd. “We’re planning an extensive community consultative approach in the next few months.” 

Backed by clean technology focused TrueGreen investment group, Nexport appears intent on relying more heavily on domestic resources. “We’re trying to bring manufacturing and production back to NSW,” said Todd.

“Through the TrueGreen investment group, we’ve been able to pick apart our processes and work out how much of it can be done locally.”