Ebusco, an electric bus manufacturer based in the Netherlands, has received a significant order for up to 63 e-buses from Qbuzz, a public transport operator. The order comprises the latest Ebusco 3.0 model and will be used in the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe from 2024. The Qbuzz order includes 45 Ebusco 3.0 solo buses measuring 12 metres and 18-metre articulated buses. Four of the articulated buses are still under an option.
The 45 solo buses will mainly be used in regional traffic, while the 18-metre articulated buses will run on lines 5 and 6 in the surrounding area under the label Q-link. Qbuzz has opted for the “extra-large” battery pack, which is over 500 kWh in the Ebusco 3.0. This battery option is “unique” for the twelve-metre-long solo bus, according to Ebusco. Such vehicles cover longer daily distances than city buses.
Ebusco has been working with Qbuzz for several years and has supplied the operator with around 130 electric buses, including 60 vehicles in the Groningen-Drenthe region, but these are still the Ebusco 2.2 model. The Ebusco 3.0 model was introduced in 2019, which is designed to reduce consumption and energy costs thanks to its lightweight construction. However, the Ebusco 2.2 model is still available.
According to Qbuzz, the positive experience with the older Ebusco model was the decisive factor for the renewed order. Dirk Huzeling, Creative Bid Manager at Qbuzz, said, “Over the past few years, we have already experienced the success of the Ebusco buses on the road. With the Ebusco 2.2 buses, we already drive between 350 and 375 electric kilometres per day, while recharging at our depots from time to time. We are very pleased to now also add the Ebusco 3.0 to our fleet and are confident that this lightweight bus will deliver an even better range in combination with the large battery pack.
Steven van der Burg, Sales Director at Ebusco, expressed his pride in the renewed partnership with Qbuzz, saying, “The fact that Qbuzz selected us again after the success of the Ebusco 2.2 is proof that with the Ebusco 3.0, we have taken the right path to take emission-free public transport to an even higher level.
In conclusion, this order represents a significant milestone for Ebusco and underscores its commitment to developing and supplying sustainable transportation solutions. With the continued partnership between Ebusco and Qbuzz, more cities and regions may soon see the benefits of electric public transportation, reducing emissions and promoting cleaner air for all.
