Nobina to get new generation VDL Citeas for regional operations in Sweden

Nordic region’s largest public transport operator Nobina will be the first in Sweden to put the new generation VDL Citea into operation. The electric buses, which are a Class 2 design and developed from scratch, are to be used for regional traffic in Ale in the area covered by the transportation company Västtrafik. 

"The new product generation is based on VDL's long experience with electric public transport. Many interesting technical solutions and new concepts ensure low energy consumption, a long range and high comfort for both driver and passengers. Development is moving very fast and as the largest public transport operator in the Nordics, and with the most electric buses in the fleet, we look forward to an exciting exchange with VDL Bus & Coach," says Jens Råsten, Fleet Manager at Nobina Group. 

The four buses for Nobina are the new generation VDL Citea LE-122 and are equipped with batteries of 490 kWh. They have a low-entry design, which offers the passengers a combination of the high comfort of a high-floor bus, and the accessibility and fast entry and exit of a low-floor bus. The buses will be put into operation in the summer of 2023. "We are very happy about the trust that Nobina has placed in us. Nobina and VDL have collaborated for many years, and it is fantastic that together we can be at the forefront when electric operation is seriously becoming the first choice, even in regional operations," says Fredrik Dahlborg, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach in Sweden. 

The new generation VDL Citea
The new generation VDL Citea is developed solely for electric operation and delivers performance that enables emission-free regional operations. Low energy consumption and high passenger capacity are achieved with the help of an innovative climate system, low weight thanks to light and strong composite one-piece modular side walls, and batteries largely integrated into the floor structure to provide optimised weight distribution. Great importance has been placed on the driver's ergonomics to ensure the best possible working environment for the driver. 

The extensive product development is based on VDL's extensive experience with electric buses in real operation. More than 1,300 buses have travelled more than 200 million kilometres since the start in 2013, of which 25 million in the Nordic region. The new generation VDL Citea is developed with both social and environmental sustainability in mind. The buses will be produced in a brand new carbon-neutral factory in Roeselare, Belgium, and have undergone extensive testing, among other things, in the winter climate of northern Sweden.

The new generation VDL Citea has been awarded with several awards such as the German EBUS Award and also with the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award for its design.