Netherlands based bus manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach have recently secured a significant order of 31 electric buses that will be used for transport throughout Amsterdam.
Amsterdam may be looking to replace all diesel powered buses currently in operation throughout the capital in the near future, and have taken the first steps in achieving that goal by placing an order for 31 VDL Citea Electric buses. Of the 31 buses ordered, 9 Citea SLF-120 Electric models and 22 Citea SLFA-180 Electric models are expected to be delivered. In addition to delivering the electric buses, VDL will also supply Amsterdam with a number of fast-charging stations compatible with the vehicles. The electric buses and charging stations are to be delivered to GVB, the public transport company of Amsterdam.
The Citea SLF-120 Electric features 31 seats and comes equipped with a 216 kWh battery. The Citea SLFA-180 Electric model is slightly larger than the SLF-120 and features 47 seats as well as a 288 kWh battery.
VDL Citea SLFA-180 Electric for GVB
In their most recent press release, Willem van der Leegte, President and Chairman of the Board of VDL Groep, stated:
“We are very proud that through the delivery of our electric public transport buses we will contribute to further CO2 reduction in the city and thus a cleaner Amsterdam. GVB’s ambitions to provide electric service are perfectly aligned with those of VDL to make a significant contribution to the electrification of bus transport in the Netherlands. It is, of course, especially pleasing to be supplying electric buses to our capital city. This renewed cooperation with GVB symbolizes the mutual trust between our organizations.”
Alexandra van Huffelen, Managing Director GVB, added:
“This is the first step towards making our bus fleet more sustainable. I am proud that our first 31 electric buses from VDL will now be arriving. As an urban transport operator, taking this step means we are contributing to cleaner air in Amsterdam and the reduction of our own CO2 emissions. In the coming years we will replace our entire bus fleet, some 200 vehicles, with zero emission buses that we can use to transport our passengers comfortably and cleanly.”
The project is expected to reach completion by 2020.
Source: VDL
