At a symbolic fleet induction ceremony at the modern West 2 depot at the Rhine port, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Christian Hirte, and Mayor of Karlsruhe Frank Mentrup were able to present a large number of the total of 48 new electric buses from the MAN manufacturer. The new MAN Lion’s City 12 E solo buses and articulated Lion’s City 18 E buses are already operating on scheduled VBK routes in the urban area.
Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup underlines the strategic importance of the e-buses: “With the full fleet induction of the new electric buses, we are sending a strong signal for the future of mobility in Karlsruhe. We are therefore putting into practice what we set out to do: create an efficient, low-emission public transport system as the backbone of a climate-neutral city. At the same time, with less noise, better air and a modern transport service, we are significantly improving the quality of life of people in Karlsruhe.”
Parliamentary State Secretary Christian Hirte emphasises the role of funding: “Electric mobility in local public transport is no longer a project for the future. Karlsruhe’s transport authority is making that abundantly clear. With 13.7 million euros, we have funded the retrofitting of 48 battery-electric buses. 5,300 climate-friendly buses have been funded so far nationwide in the amount of around 1.5 billion euros – and we will continue to fund this transition to efficient bus transport with more climate protection.”
From the point of view of the VBK, the complete retrofitting represents an important milestone. Christian Höglmeier, VBK Technical Director explains: “I am delighted that the VBK has reliably received the new buses in several batches and would like to expressly thank the Federal Ministry of Transport for the generous funding. This enabled us to comprehensively modernise our bus fleet and will contribute considerably to a reduction in harmful emissions in the urban area – and that will be the case day after day with every journey. I would like to thank all partners and MAN for its close collaboration and successful delivery of buses.”
The manufacturer also sees Karlsruhe as an model for successful transformation. Eugen Baumstark, Regional Sales Manager for Buses at MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland says: “This collaboration with the transport authority of Karlsruhe has been based on partnership from the very beginning and defined by a common goal: to systematically electrify local public transport. Karlsruhe plays an important role here. Through the expansion of the fleet with a total of 48 electric buses, the city is taking a decisive step towards climate-friendly mobility in the urban area and shows how transformation in local public transport can be successfully implemented.”
Funding from the Federal Transport Ministry
The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) with a total of 13.7 million euros under the ‘Guideline for the promotion of alternative drive systems in passenger buses’. Funding for this measure is also being provided as part of the Germany Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) via the European Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) under the NextGenerationEU programme. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). The VBK was already presented with the funding certificate in the framework of the Electric Bus Conference of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV).
Technical details of the new e-buses
The new VBK solo electric buses are 12 metres long and have a capacity of 35 seats. They can travel at a maximum road speed of up to 83 km per hour. The total battery capacity is 480 kWh and guarantees a range of at least 250 kilometres.
The 18 metre-long electric articulated buses provide space for 46 seats. The total battery capacity is 640 kWh and has a range of 250 kilometres.
The e-buses operate from the West depot. The new e-buses are gradually replacing conventional diesel engines and thus make an important contribution to air quality and emission reduction in Karlsruhe.
Image: Official fleet induction of VBK e-buses: Thomas Zimmerman from MAN, Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup, Florian Lindner from MAN, Christian Höglmeier, VBK Technical Director and State Secretary Christian Hirte look forward to a sustainable future in local public transport in Karlsruhe.
Image rights: VBK/Paul Gärtner
Source: VBK
