St. Gallen wants to order 13 electric buses from Ebusco

The St. Gallen public transport authority (VBSG) wants to purchase 13 electric buses from Ebusco. The order is exclusively for twelve-metre-long models. The original plan to also order midi buses has been cancelled. (UPDATE BELOW)

As part of a public tender for the procurement of seven battery-electric buses with a length of twelve metres and five additional midi buses, the models on offer were “subjected to extensive testing.” However, the public transport operator determined “that customer needs can be better met and that it is also more economical if only vehicles with a length of twelve metres are procured for the planned routes”.

The tender was awarded to the Dutch manufacturer. However, the St. Gallen transport authority has not commented on the contract value. A press release merely states that Ebusco was able to impress “in terms of cost-effectiveness” with an “attractive price and low operating costs.” There are also no details on the technical data. Instead, the company emphasises low energy consumption thanks to lightweight construction and vehicle design, which will be “virtually platform-free with many level seats.”

The buses will be charged overnight at the depot. The transport company now want to procure the necessary charging infrastructure. More details are not yet available.

However, it will be some time before the electric buses are used on routes 9, 10 and 11 in the Swiss city. Due to the high demand for electric buses, delivery is not expected until mid-2025.

Update 15 March 2024

Ebusco has signed a contract with the St. Gallen public transport company (VBSG). The order comprises twelve 12-metre Ebusco 3.0 12-metre electric buses, which will be deployed in St. Gallen from 2025.

city.sg.ch, ebusco.com (update)