The Cologne Transport Authority (KVB) has placed Germany’s largest order yet for electric buses from Spanish manufacturer Irizar e-mobility, agreeing to purchase 78 vehicles as it accelerates efforts to electrify its fleet.
The order includes 38 articulated buses and 40 solo buses, with deliveries scheduled to begin in October 2026. KVB already operates 118 electric buses built by Dutch manufacturer VDL, and with the latest purchase, nearly two-thirds of its company-owned fleet will run on electric power. When subcontracted buses are included, the share will rise to almost half.
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This is the largest order to date from Germany for the Spanish manufacturer. The company added that the expansion builds on its investment in a dedicated electric bus depot opened in Cologne-Porz in 2024.
The newly ordered vehicles include Irizar’s standard city bus models, the 12-metre ie solo and the 18-metre articulated version. The larger buses will be equipped with 613.8 kWh batteries, offering a range between 180 and 230 kilometres, while the smaller units will carry 511.5 kWh batteries, capable of 200 to 260 kilometres. Both are fitted with electric motors supplied by Cummins Accelera, produced in Europe.
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The North Rhine-Westphalia state government is subsidising 60% of the extra cost compared with equivalent diesel buses, under Section 13 of the state’s Public Transport Act. Neither KVB nor Irizar disclosed the purchase price.
The buses will be supplied through Hamburg-based Jebsen & Jessen e-Mobility, Irizar’s sales partner in Germany since 2017. The Cologne contract marks Irizar’s largest German order, surpassing combined previous sales to Rheinbahn in Düsseldorf, ICB in Frankfurt/Main and BSAG in Bremen, which together totalled 42 vehicles.
