Wikipedia

Draft:Custom Denning Element

Custom Dennning Element
Transdev John Holland Custom Denning Element 1 in April 2022
Overview
ManufacturerCustom Denning
AssemblySt Marys, New South Wales, Australia
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeLow floor

The Custom Denning Element is a battery electric bus manufactured by Custom Denning in Australia. The model has been produced in multiple generations, including the updated Element 2 introduced in 2023. At launch, the Custom Denning Element was promoted as one of Australia’s first locally designed and manufactured battery-electric buses.

History

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The Custom Denning Element 1 was launched in 2020.[1][2] In 2023, Custom Denning introduced the Element 2, an updated second-generation version of the original Element 1.[3] The first order was placed by Busways.[4] In 2025, it was revealed some early deliveries had battery reliability problems with Custom Denning undertaking a replacement program.[5][6][7]

Variants

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Element (first generation)

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The original Element model was introduced in 2020 and entered service from 2021.[8]

Element 2

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Custom Denning Element 2 operated by Keolis Northern Beaches

The Element 2 is a second-generation version of the Element introduced in 2023. It features several upgrades over the original model, including the replacement of the Actia drive motor with a ZF CeTrax motor and the adoption of lithium-ion NMC batteries in place of lithium metal polymer batteries. The high-voltage system was also redesigned to allow greater local control over software and maintenance. Physical design changes include a revised front and a reduction in length from 12.5 metres to 12 metres, with an additional 10.5 metre variant offered. The Element 2 also introduced pantograph fast-charging capability, improving charging flexibility and reducing downtime.[9]

Operators

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Both first-generation Element and Element 2 buses have been purchased by Transport for NSW contracted operators Busways (30),[10] Keolis Northern Beaches (80),[11] Transdev John Holland (25),[12] Transit Systems (54)[13] and U-Go Mobility (16).[14] Many more recent deliveries, including those to Keolis Northern Beaches, consist of the updated Element 2 variant.[15] A few interstate sales have been made to ACTION (4),[16] Metro Tasmania (4)[17] and Sunbury Bus Service (3).[18][19]

Custom Denning Element 2 in London, used by Diamond South East

A few have been sold to English operators Diamond East Midlands (6) and Diamond South East (3), both being subsidiaries of Rotala, which like Custom Denning is controlled by members of the Dunn family.[20][21][22]

References

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  1. ↑ Custon, combining all the elements Custom Denning 9 September 2020
  2. ↑ A look at the Custom Denning Element Australian Bus issue 110 April 2022 pages 26/27
  3. ↑ "Custom Denning Announces the 100th Element 2 Bus Milestone: A Vision for the Future of Public Transport | Custom Denning". www.customdenning.com.au. Retrieved 2026-04-18.
  4. ↑ Busways charging ahead with world first order of Custom Denning electric buses Busways
  5. ↑ Custom Denning Electrics Returned Australian Bus Panorama issue 30/5 March 2025 page 33
  6. ↑ Custom Denning responds to NSW electric bus reliability issues Australasian Bus & Coach 26 June 2025
  7. ↑ Custom Denning Austraian Bus Panorama issue 41/2 September 2025 page 39
  8. ↑ "Custom, combining all the Elements! | Custom Denning". www.customdenning.com.au. Retrieved 2026-04-18.
  9. ↑ "Custom Denning Announces the 100th Element 2 Bus Milestone: A Vision for the Future of Public Transport | Custom Denning". www.customdenning.com.au. Retrieved 2026-04-18.
  10. ↑ Busways Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  11. ↑ Keolis Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  12. ↑ Transdev John Holland Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  13. ↑ Transit Systems Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  14. ↑ U-Go Mobility Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  15. ↑ "Custom Denning showcases the Element at Keolis Downer's Community Open Day | Custom Denning". www.customdenning.com.au. Retrieved 2026-04-18.
  16. ↑ New Australian electric bus model hits Canberra's streets Government of the Australian Capital Territory 23 October 2023
  17. ↑ Metro Tasmania introduces new suite of electric buses Australasian Bus & Coach 29 January 2024
  18. ↑ Sunbury Bus Service Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  19. ↑ Custom Denning launches its first Victorian electric bus Australasian Bus & Coach 2 June 2022
  20. ↑ Six new buses for Rotala Custom Denning 19 November 2024
  21. ↑ Fleet News Buses issue 844 July 2025 page 72
  22. ↑ Fleet News Buses issue 847 October 2025 page 71
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