The fleet is expected to be launched before the end of next month and the buses will run on the Pine Hill, Lookout Point, Shiel Hill, Opoho and Ridge Runner routes.
Ritchies Transport was awarded the contract for the routes, collectively known as Unit 3, by the Otago Regional Council in 2022.
At the time, it had been hoped the buses might be in service from October last year and Cr Andrew Noone called this the start of "our very necessary shift to non-diesel transport".
The council will oversee a fleet using zero carbon emissions from 2026 and it will be near-zero in the lead-up.
A successful trial of an electric bus was run in Dunedin in 2021.
Otago Regional Council transport manager Lorraine Cheyne said setting up the service included establishment of charging facilities at the Ritchies depot.
"There will be driver training, as the buses drive differently to diesel buses and have new dashboard features", Ms Cheyne said.
The council had secured the "earliest introduction of the most [electric] buses, for the best price", she said.
Bidders for the contract were required to demonstrate how and when they would reduce emissions.
