Italy’s federal procurement agency, Consip, has granted contracts for 500 electric buses to eight manufacturers, marking a significant step in the country’s transition to sustainable public transportation. The contracts, valued at €327 million, cover various categories, including battery electric buses (BEVs) and, notably, the introduction of 30 hydrogen buses for the first time.
The procurement process involved four lots, with winners determined through competitive tenders. The first lot, comprising 150 midi buses (7 – 8 metres), saw victories for Slovenian bus manufacturer Tam Europe and Turkish company Karsan.
In the second lot, securing contracts for 250 electric buses, Otokar, Solaris, Iveco, BYD Europe, Karsan, and Ebusco emerged as the successful bidders. BYD Europe and Karsan continued their success in the third lot, alongside Iveco, securing contracts for 70 zero-emission buses.
The fourth and groundbreaking lot introduced hydrogen buses into the mix, with Solaris, Karsan, and Industria Italiana Autobus winning contracts for the delivery of 30 fuel cell models.
While the total volume of the contracts is €327 million, specific details about the allocation of vehicles among manufacturers, bus types, and specifications, as well as the identity of the actual buyers, remain undisclosed. Consip’s role as a central procurement agency aims to facilitate better deals for local public transport operators, supporting the adoption of low-emission vehicles.
The inclusion of hydrogen buses in this procurement reflects Italy’s commitment to exploring diverse clean energy solutions for public transportation. The awarded contracts contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability in the country’s public transit fleet.
