Leipzig makes the switch to electric bus transport with 21 Citeas Electric
VDL Bus & Coach will deliver 21 Citeas SLF-120 Electric and associated charging infrastructure to LVB, Leipzig’s public transport operator. The vehicles will be delivered from the end of 2020 and will run on lines 74, 76 and 89. Line 60 will also be equipped with electric buses at a later date. LVB is committed to the development of the first 3 all-electric bus lines in line with the city's environmental objectives.
"As early as 2018, the Supervisory Board of LVB decided to phase in the purchase of electric buses. We are pleased that we can now take this important step and, together with VDL Bus & Coach bv, make a further active contribution to the environmental objectives of the city of Leipzig," says Ronald Juhrs, Managing Director Technology and Operations at LVB.
Boris Höltermann, Managing Director of VDL Bus & Coach Deutschland GmbH, continues proudly, "A cooperation that started in 2012 has reached a high point. We are very pleased with the confidence placed in us! Our network of electric vehicles is being expanded with a strong partner, namely LVB".
VDL Citeas Electric
The 21 VDL Citeas SLF-120 Electric are 12 metres long and equipped with a 216 kWh battery pack. The vehicles have a 3-door configuration. As a result, this e-bus has an optimal passenger flow and is therefore ideally suited to busier city and regional transport environments. The vehicles are quickly recharged by means of the pantograph on the roof during the day. At night, the buses are charged in the charging depot. Thanks to the Citea Electric's lightweight concept, operating costs are very low and maximum 'Profit of Ownership' is guaranteed. At the same time, there are no exhaust fumes and the e-bus drives very quietly, which improves the quality of life in the surrounding area. This is pleasant not only for passengers but also for local residents.
Transition to zero emission public transport
With more than 50 million electric kilometres on the clock, VDL Bus & Coach bv continues to be the market leader in the field of electric bus transport. 670 Citeas Electric across Europe cover more than 130,000 electric kilometres every day, providing more and more experience with electric driving. In Germany, too, growth is enormous. A total of 38 vehicles in 5 German cities have now clocked up more than 2.5 million electric kilometres. With the addition of Leipzig, zero emission bus transport in Germany is growing ever faster.
LVB
Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) is a municipal company fully owned by the city of Leipzig. They operate local public transport (tram and bus services) on behalf of the city. The route network of the LVB is part of the regional transport association Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund. Established after the merger of the Großen Leipziger Straßenbahn and the Leipziger Elektrischen Straßenbahn on 1 January 1917, the company operated under the name Große Leipziger Straßenbahn until 29 July 1938. The LVB currently operates 46 bus lines in the city and surroundings. 9 lines operate at night (10 on weekends). In addition, the LVB operates 13 tram lines on a network of 143.5 km.