Flemish public transport company De Lijn has finalized a framework agreement with BYD Europe, paving the way for the potential acquisition of up to 500 electric 12-meter buses. The initial order comprises 92 units, with deliveries expected to commence from 2025.
The first tranche, valued at over 43 million euros, aligns with De Lijn’s commitment to achieving completely emission-free public transport by 2035, according to Ann Schoubs, CEO of De Lijn.
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Manufactured by BYD in Hungary, the 12-meter electric buses are slated to feature customer-friendly amenities such as USB charging points, an electric ramp, extra-wide screens, LED lighting, and seats with recycled leather. While specific details about the ordered vehicles remain undisclosed, the framework agreement is part of De Lijn’s larger procurement initiative, aiming to acquire up to 1,250 electric buses ranging from 8.5 to 24 meters in length.
For subsequent orders of standard electric buses, De Lijn retains the flexibility to utilize both the new framework agreement with BYD and an earlier agreement established with Van Hool and VDL in 2021. Currently, 60 fixed 12-meter electric buses ordered from the latter two manufacturers are being progressively commissioned, with an additional 17 units ordered from VDL.
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Earlier in 2023, De Lijn entered into a framework agreement with Iveco for the potential delivery of up to 500 electric buses by 2030. The initial order included 65 fully electric articulated buses, and the latest update indicates a total of 109 e-buses on order from Iveco. Furthermore, six electric midibuses have been ordered from Scandinavian supplier Yes-EU.
In pursuit of its goal for completely emission-free public transport by 2035, De Lijn not only plans to electrify its bus fleet but also aims to environmentally optimize approximately 50 depots.
