De Lijn orders 23 more electric buses from Iveco

De Lijn stated that it is investing around 24 million euros in the new order for 32 electric E-Way articulated buses from Iveco. The vehicles are expected to arrive in Flanders around the turn of the year 2025/26. De Lijn signed a framework agreement for up to 500 electric buses with the Italian manufacturer at the beginning of 2023. 109 units have been ordered since then – so now 23 more will follow.

According to De Lijn, the first vehicles from the previous order are to be delivered this year. The framework agreement with Iveco is generally part of a procurement process launched at the end of March 2022, under which the Flemish public transport company intends to purchase up to 1,250 electric buses with lengths of between 8.5 and 24 metres.

“Completely emission-free public transport by 2035 is a firm goal to which we are committed,” says Ann Schoubs, CEO of De Lijn. “Together with our partners, this means that we have to make 3,600 buses at around 140 fixed locations environmentally friendly.” This is only possible through good cooperation with the various authorities, as Schoubs further comments: “In addition to the necessary funding from the Flemish government, we are dependent on the timely approval of the electrification work at the depots so that our electric buses can be charged there.”

belganewsagency.eu, delijn.prezly.com (in Dutch)