Rampini, the renowned bus manufacturer from Italy, has successfully won a tender offered by the procurement agency Consip to provide a maximum of 280 zero-emission buses. The contract, set to commence in June, enables public administrations to procure Rampini’s e-bus model, the Ramoni Eltron, either in its standard configuration or with specific adaptations.
The Ramoni Eltron is an 8-meter battery-electric bus, available with two or three doors and capable of accommodating up to 48 passengers. Powered by a 230 kW electric motor and a 280 kWh battery, the bus boasts an impressive real-world range of over 200 kilometers, as stated by Rampini.
Unveiled in late 2022, the Eltron represents a progressive advancement based on the E80, Rampini’s initial electric bus model. Furthermore, the Eltron shares similarities with the company’s fuel cell electric variant, the Hydron, which offers an extended range of 450 kilometers.
Rampini, which shifted its focus towards zero-emission vehicles in 2017, had previously secured a contract from Austria. In 2019, a collaboration between Rampini and CaetanoBus was established to incorporate each other’s models into their respective product ranges. Subsequently, in 2020, the E80 from Rampini was selected by Genoa’s public transport operator AMT, as it was the only electric bus agile enough for the historic center of the city. Siemens provided the necessary charging infrastructure to fulfill the order.
Fabio Magnoni, the general manager of Rampini S.p.A., emphasized the company’s decision a few years ago to cease manufacturing diesel buses, which was considered precise and counter-cultural at the time. Magnoni expressed satisfaction in reaping the rewards of their long-term investments in modernizing production, thus playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the Italian industrial sector.
Rampini proudly claims that the Eltron is the sole mini-electric bus produced in Italy. The buses procured under the Consip tender will be manufactured at Rampini’s plant located in Passignano sul Trasimeno (PG).
Engineer Franco Rampini, the President of the company, remarked, “Today, we are experiencing the fruits of our investments made over the years to modernize production and become a driving force, offering opportunities to reactivate the Italian industrial fabric.”
Starting from June, public administrations in Italy will have the option to purchase the buses with or without specific customizations. These customizations may include selecting colors, liveries, additional driver seats, passenger compartment equipment, onboard and passenger safety devices, driving assistance systems, and full-service maintenance.
While the exact funding details have not been disclosed by Consip and Rampini, the contract represents a significant milestone in Italy’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
