Evora, a charming city nestled in Portugal’s southern Alentejo region, is set to make history as it becomes the first city in the country to operate solely on electric buses. With the launch scheduled for July 1st, 23 brand-new electric buses will grace the streets of Evora, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation. This ambitious endeavor comes with an investment of €6.7 million, showcasing Evora’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing clean energy solutions.
Although specific details about the existing electric buses are scarce, local reports confirm the landmark procurement without disclosing the manufacturer’s name. However, what is clear is Evora’s pioneering spirit, as it proudly claims to be the first Portuguese city to establish an all-electric bus network. Mayor Carlos Pinto de Sá expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative, stating, “We don’t know anyone else with the idea of having totally electric public transport, and in principle, we’ll be the first Portuguese city to do so.”
This remarkable achievement is part of Portugal’s broader efforts to decarbonize public transport fleets, a venture that has received considerable financial backing. Since 2016, a staggering €154.7 million has been allocated towards the goal of transitioning to sustainable modes of transportation. This funding has facilitated the acquisition of 558 electric or hydrogen buses throughout the country.
The primary source of funding, amounting to €106.7 million, is the POSEUR program (Programa Operacional Sustentabilidade e Eficiência no Uso de Recursos). Additionally, the PPR program (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência) has contributed €48 million, accounting for nearly a third of the financial support.
