Arriva, the former Deutsche Bahn subsidiary, has introduced 21 electric buses from Chinese manufacturer BYD into service in the town of Móstoles, near Madrid. The move marks a significant step toward the full electrification of the local public transport system, which will become 100 percent emission-free by October.
To support the new fleet, Arriva has electrified a bus depot in Móstoles, installing 22 charging points with plans to expand to 44 in the future. The electric buses boast a range of 350 kilometers, allowing them to operate throughout the day without intermediate charging. Charging will be completed overnight at the depot.
The project, which includes a €20 million investment backed by the European Next Generation Fund, is part of Arriva’s efforts to modernize its fleet and expand its environmentally friendly operations in Madrid.
“By expanding our zero-emission fleet and electrifying a second depot, we’re not only supporting Madrid’s carbon neutrality goals for 2030 but also delivering safer, more comfortable public transport,” said Sian Leydon, Arriva Group’s Managing Director for Mainland Europe.
This initiative adds to the region’s growing number of eco-friendly buses, with a total of 1,079 environmentally friendly vehicles now in service, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and natural gas-powered buses.