DUTCH START PILOT WITH 15 ELECTRIC PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUSES
VDL Bus & Coach, the Dutch province of North Brabant and Brabant Development Agency (BOM) are starting a pilot project that will involve fifteen electric public transport buses. The pilot is part of the nationwide approach by the Foundation for Zero Emission Bus Transport to accelerate the transition to affordable, clean, quiet public transport. The first bus will be tested in Helmond in early 2015 as part of the VIBe-Bus (Vehicle for Innovation Bus) project.
The goal is to gain experience with the use of zero emission public transport in all areas of North Brabant. The pilot fits into the province’s growth strategy in which it will give transport companies and the industry the freedom needed to make electric transport possible. The province of North Brabant, BOM and VDL Bus & Coach see a future for electric bus transport in metropolitan areas. They want to contribute collaboratively to attaining a cleaner environment, lower energy consumption and a quieter and healthier environment. The pilot project will provide valuable information on the use of electric bus systems, which provides economic opportunities for
Brabant SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and the Dutch automotive sector. The knowledge and experience gained by all stakeholders during this pilot will serve as a stepping stone for the development of zero-emission public transport in North Brabant and beyond.
The pilot should lead to the formation of an innovation platform focused on the development of electric drive systems, components and associated charging infrastructure. The experiences of drivers and passengers, principles, transporters, traffic control centres and maintenance workshops are crucial to the successful introduction of electric bus transport.
It is the ambition of the province of North Brabant to have its public transport provided by zero emission buses by 2025. Electric vehicles and smart energy infrastructure are important new markets for Brabant’s automotive, energy and high-tech industries. The province has made high-tech automotive a top priority and very recently received several awards (winner of the 2014 EER and fDi awards) for its performance as an innovative region. The aim is to remain among Europe’s top knowledge and innovation regions. Zero emission public transport fits perfectly with this objective.
The VDL Citea Electric is a fully electric Citea SLF Low Floor with a length of 12 metres, that offers custom-made driveline solutions. The ability to choose from various electric drives and battery packages ensures that the most ideal and
optimal combination can be selected for every deployment area, without consequences for accessibility, interior layout or comfort. The Citea Electric offers operators a unique range of possibilities for optimal configuration to match any operational requirements and wishes, according to VDL.
