The Hague’s transport company, HTM, has announced an ambitious plan to introduce 95 electric buses into its fleet, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport. The procurement deal was struck with EvoBus, a subsidiary of Daimler, and is set to be officially awarded on July 7th, pending the final approval of all parties involved.
The agreement includes the delivery of 95 eCitaro buses, with a combination of solo and articulated models, along with the necessary charging infrastructure. Additionally, the contract features an option for further electric bus acquisitions in the future. By mid-2024, the new electric buses will replace HTM’s existing natural gas fleet, aligning the company’s operations with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
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HTM revealed that multiple renowned bus manufacturers participated in the tender process, yet EvoBus emerged as the top contender, impressing the evaluators with its comprehensive offering. The bids were meticulously assessed based on various criteria, such as passenger experience, pricing, technology, reliability, maintenance, and design.
The impending purchase places EvoBus in a prominent position in the electric bus market, as this order for 95 vehicles stands as one of the company’s largest to date. Furthermore, Daimler Truck, the parent company of EvoBus, recently announced that over 1,000 eCitaro buses have already been produced, indicating a growing demand for sustainable public transportation solutions.
However, it is worth noting that the 95 eCitaro buses intended for HTM may not be manufactured by EvoBus GmbH. Daimler Truck disclosed its plans to rename the bus division to “Daimler Buses GmbH” from July 12th, consolidating its brand recognition and leveraging the reputation of the Daimler name. Consequently, EvoBus will also undergo a rebranding process, with its associated national companies and the EvoBus Service Centre, previously known as “BusWorld Home,” adopting the new name. EvoBus GmbH, established 28 years ago following the merger of Mercedes-Benz Omnibusse and Setra under the KƤssbohrer brand, will now operate under the banner of Daimler Buses GmbH.
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Till Oberwƶrder, CEO of Daimler Buses, expressed his enthusiasm for this transformative milestone, stating, “With EvoBus, we have enjoyed tremendous success for nearly three decades, and we take great pride in that. Now, we eagerly embrace this new chapter as Daimler Buses GmbH, with exciting prospects ahead. Our goal is to spearhead the transition to emission-free mobility and captivate customers and talent alike. The new name will facilitate this ambition by eliminating the need for extensive explanation, as it embodies our purpose.”
HTM’s progressive move to electrify its bus fleet showcases the growing importance of sustainable public transportation solutions in combating climate change. By investing in electric buses and charging infrastructure, HTM and Daimler Buses GmbH are poised to lead the way in revolutionizing the industry and driving the adoption of emission-free mobility in the Netherlands and beyond.
