Berlin’s public transport authority BVG is getting its e-bus charging technology ready for stable operation. In the first phase, a network of up to 20 fast charging stations will be set up at terminal stops in the city by the end of 2027. Buses will be able to ‘refuel’ there during regular service and will not have to return to the depot for charging. Construction begins today at the Schwarzelfenweg terminal stop in Pankow. Work is also starting in the next few days at the Kaulsdorf and Marzahn S-Bahn stations.
Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG: “Here, there is electricity for on the go. Our electric buses are on the road around the clock and throughout the city for our passengers. With the new charging technology, we are creating a stable foundation for this.”
Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport: “Electric buses are increasingly becoming a central component of climate-friendly public transport. However, due to the cost differences compared to conventional buses, the switch is a mammoth task for transport companies. With our funding, we are compensating for this difference and also providing support in setting up the necessary infrastructure. With the STELLA project, BVG is investing in modern infrastructure that makes charging buses even more suitable for everyday use. The BMV is supporting this with 12.1 million euros. For years, the BVG has been proving that the switch is working and is worthwhile – for companies, for citizens and, above all, for the environment. In total, the BMV is supporting BVG on its way to an emission-free fleet with around €160 million in funding.”
The electrified terminus at Schwarzelfenweg will be connected to the grid as early as the beginning of 2026. The next two locations will follow within a few weeks. The STELLA project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) with a total of €12.1 million as part of the ‘Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drive Systems for Passenger Buses’ (‘Richtlinie Förderung alternativer Antriebe von Bussen im Personenverkehr’). Funding for this measure is also being provided as part of the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP – Deutscher Aufbau- und Resilienzplan) via the European Recovery and Resilience Facility in the NextGenerationEU programme. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). Additional funding comes from the Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment.
The new electric buses can ‘refuel’ at the stations within a few minutes to continue their journey. Each terminus requires a transformer house and a charging house containing the chargers, as well as one or more charging masts.
Image: The visualisation shows the future charging station for e-buses at the terminus in Kaulsdorf.
Image credit: emutec GRID SYSTEMS GmbH
Source: BVG
