It’s go time: Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH (BSVG) has unveiled the first four new electric buses, now in regular service in Braunschweig.
The two solo and two articulated buses are provided by the MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH company, which will deliver an additional 15 buses to the BSVG in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2024. The ‘Electrification of the bus fleet of the BSVG‘ project will be funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport under its bus funding guideline in the total amount of approx. 18.5 million euros. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). 50 new electric bus in all will be procured under the project.
“The electrification of the BSVG bus fleet is an important contribution to sustainable mobility in our city. It’s an important component on the path to climate neutrality by 2030”, underlines Lord Mayor Dr. Thorsten Kornblum. “The BSVG was a national pioneer in this region with its emil buses. Now the next generation of electrically-powered buses has arrived, making our public transport even more modern.”
“We have 2 years of intensive planning behind us, including the EU-wide tender for the vehicles and the production of the required charging infrastructure. That’s why we’re delighted to now present the first tangible results with these four buses, which can be used by our passengers on a daily basis”, explains Jörg Reincke, Managing Director of the BSVG. “These four electric buses represent a taste of what is to come. Because by 2025, we will have put a total of 50 new e-buses into operation, thus converting almost a third of the fleet to electric operation.”
Further procurement: 32 depot chargers and 18 occasional chargers – contract awarded
Delivery of the next 15 e-buses is expected in the second half of 2024. By mid-2025, a total of 50 e-buses will be procured. The BSVG is relying on a mix of depot and occasional charging points. The BSVG depot chargers will be delivered by MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH, MAN will deliver a total of 32 e-buses to the BSVG. The contract for the occasional chargers has been awarded to Daimler Buses GmbH. BSVG is ordering a total of 18 e-buses from Daimler, that can be charged through a pantograph in regular service. “Through the mix of depot and occasional chargers, we can utilize the advantages of both systems in our network”, explains Jörg Reincke. “We are also gathering significant experience for the further electrification of our bus fleets.”
New design, new interior and modern passenger comfort: these are the four new buses
But back to the now delivered vehicles: the new electric buses will be easy to recognize for BSVG passengers, because they have a new, uniform design. The well-known brand design of BSVG buses will be supplemented by turquoise elements as well as the ‘on the move, electrically’ lettering. The seat covers in the buses will also have a new design, that in addition to the BSVG corporate colours, will include the light blue accents from the exterior design.
The solo buses have a battery capacity of 480 kWh, which ensures a minimum range of 230km.
The articulated buses in turn, have a battery capacity of 640 kWh and a minimum capacity of 180km. The maximum possible DC charging capacity via CCS plug is 150 kW.
There is room for up to 73 (solo bus) or 97 (articulated) sitting and standing spaces in the buses. In both variants, there are two special use spaces at door 2, which can be used by wheelchair users or prams. In the articulated bus, another special use space is provided behind door 3.
A turning assistant with pedestrian detection as well as blind spot detection on the right-hand side of the vehicles ensure the requisite safety in city traffic. Because the e-engines of the new buses operate very quietly, an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is also installed. This system generates artificial driving noise at low speeds, making the approaching vehicle much more noticeable and thus ensuring greater safety.
The first four e-buses of the new generation will initially be used on the lines 411, 418, 419/429, 422 and 426.
The amount of investment for the 4 e-buses amounts to approx. 2.68 million euros. In addition to funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the BSVG is also receiving funding from Lower Saxony (LNVG). The BMDV is also funding the creation of the necessary infrastructure at the depot. “We are extremely grateful for the support from the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony”, emphasizes Jörg Reincke.
Source: BSVG