Lithuanian automotive manufacturer, Altas Auto, is making strides in its electric vehicle (EV) bus expansion efforts. In a strategic cooperation with Chinese manufacturer Zhongtong Bus, Altas Auto has announced plans to introduce two battery-electric buses into its lineup. The first of these, a compact 7.5-meter model, will be unveiled in a visionary showcase at Busworld Europe 2023.
Altas Auto is committed to aligning with the European Agenda 2030, with aspirations to fully transition to electric mobility by 2025. The collaboration with Zhongtong Bus is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal.
The forthcoming 7.5-meter city bus, debuting at Busworld 2023, is designed for maneuverability in narrow city streets, providing accessibility in areas that are traditionally challenging for conventional buses. Furthermore, it offers an efficient solution for servicing suburban regions with lower passenger density, accommodating up to 37 passengers.
This partnership between Altas Auto and Zhongtong Bus includes plans for a larger 8.7-meter electric bus, with a maximum capacity of 60 passengers, set to make its European debut shortly.
Edvardas Radzevičius, CEO of Altas Auto, expressed optimism about this strategic collaboration, saying, “The partnership will enable both companies to achieve our goals. By combining Zhongtong’s expertise in electric bus production with Altas Auto’s experience in the European small bus market, we aim to strengthen our positions and pave the way for even closer cooperation in the future.”
Jiliu Li, General Manager of Zhongtong Bus Europe GmbH, shared his perspective, stating, “Zhongtong has been a longstanding exporter of buses worldwide, and while we have recently entered the European electric bus market, we are confident that our competencies, combined with Altas Auto’s knowledge of the European small and medium bus market, will allow us to swiftly deliver high-quality products.”
The collaboration between Altas Auto and Zhongtong Bus represents a promising union of skills and experience, poised to shape the future of electric mobility in Europe. As Altas Auto works toward its all-electric vision by 2025, this partnership marks a significant step forward in realizing the goals of the European Agenda 2030.
