Electric buses launched in Plauen, Saxony
Plauen, a city in eastern Germany, is set to fully electrify its urban transport system, with plans to make the Neue Elsterbrücke passable by trams by September. This shift towards a greener transport system is part of a broader trend seen in cities across the world, as they strive to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility.
One relevant context is the restructuring of MAN Truck & Bus, a commercial vehicle manufacturer with modification sites in Plauen. The company is shifting its focus towards electric and hydrogen-driven commercial vehicles by the mid-2020s to comply with stricter CO2 regulations and meet ecological commitments. However, the exact connection between this transition and Plauen's urban transport electrification remains unclear.
PSB Managing Director Karsten Treiber announced a significant step towards the future, aiming to decarbonize Plauen's urban transport. As part of this plan, three new electric buses, standard eCitaro solo buses 12 meters long and with a capacity of 85 seats, have been introduced. These new vehicles were officially put into operation on June 4th at the Wiesenstraße depot, with Mayor Steffen Zenner, District Administrator Thomas Hennig, PSB Managing Director Karsten Treiber, and Daimler Buses Sales Director, Ulrich Piotrowski, presiding over the event.
The new electric buses are a complement to the already sustainable tram service, which has been running for over 130 years. The green electricity for the overnight charging of the buses is being provided by Stadtwerke - Strom Plauen GmbH at favourable conditions. Reiher Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH, a local partner, has been appointed as the maintenance provider for the new electric buses.
The fourth battery generation of the eCitaro series is expected to offer more range, with the new electric buses boasting an indicated range of approximately 260 kilometers per charge. This is a significant improvement, making electric buses a viable alternative to their diesel counterparts.
Mayor Zenner stated that PSB continues to pursue the path towards fully electric and emission-free urban transport with the acquisition of these new electric buses. The goal is to create a cleaner, greener city for its residents and visitors. As the plans for Plauen's urban transport electrification continue to unfold, it's clear that the city is committed to a sustainable future.
The restructuring of MAN Truck & Bus, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, is focusing on electric and hydrogen-driven vehicles to meet environmental regulations. The shift towards electric transport is also observed in Plauen's urban transport system, aiming to electrify the entire system. Three new electric buses have been introduced as part of this plan, signifying a move towards a greener lifestyle in public-transit. These electric buses, with an indicated range of about 260 kilometers per charge, are expected to compete effectively with diesel buses.
