The Dutch public transport operator Qbuzz has placed an order with Belgium’s Van Hool. The bus manufacturer shall deliver 54 electric buses from the new A-series. This is the second significant e-bus order QBuzz has placed in less than a week.
The Van Hool buses are scheduled for delivery in Q4 2024 to enter regional passenger transport in the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe. According to Van Hool, Qbuzz was “replacing its existing fleet of Qliner buses with this completely emission-free battery bus from Van Hool”.
An, there was a greater challenge. The transit company runs intercity routes in Groningen and Drenthe, requiring long-range electric buses.
“We were facing a major challenge when opting to replace our current fleet of Qliner buses, which have amply proved their worth. We definitely wanted to go green and so the option of a 100% zero-emission bus was quickly floated,” explains Dirk Huzeling, Bid Manager at Qbuzz. But because the Qliner network in Groningen-Drenthe has “longer-distance, inter-city connections and high average speed, we opted for the long 15-metre buses with 55 comfortable seats for passengers and a large working radius”.
The manager is talking about the Van Hool A15LE E. Part of the A-series introduced in June 2022; the number signifies the length of 15 metres. The A-series is zero-emission exclusive, and clients can opt between battery, fuel cell and overhead line power. The battery-electric version is powered by two ZF Axtrax axles, each producing 140 kW. The batteries are from Akasol.
For QBuzz, all buses will come equipped with mirror cameras for the bus drivers. Passengers benefit from seat belts, USB charging points, footrests and folding tables.
Van Hool and QBuzz are no strangers to each other. “This order confirms the confidence Qbuzz has in Van Hool,” said CEO Filip Van Hool. Qbuzz previously ordered nine Van Hool Astromega TDX27 double-deckers and thirty hydrogen buses for use in regular passenger transport.
Moreover, this is the second e-bus order from Qbuzz this week. The public transport company reportedly ordered up to 63 electric buses from Ebusco with extra large battery packs just yesterday. These will also be used in Groningen and Drenthe on inner and intercity routes.
Keyword: QBuzz targets total fleet electrification in Dutch provinces