The public transport company EMT Palma, serving the Mallorcan capital, has announced an ambitious plan to expand its fleet with 100 electric buses over the next three years. The city government has allocated ā¬33 million to support this initiative, aiming to electrify around half of EMT Palma’s bus fleet.
The move will replace aging diesel buses from the 2000s and natural gas vehicles from 2009-2010, with the company looking to enhance sustainability across its operations. While details on suppliers, bus configurations, and contract processes remain undisclosed, a statement confirmed that ā¬12 million from the Tourism Tax for Sustainable Development has already been earmarked to procure 16 electric busesāeight 18-meter and eight 12-meter units.
EMT Palma has gradually integrated zero-emission buses into its fleet, starting with 12 Irizar ie Tram electric buses added in 2023. The company also placed an order with Solaris three years ago for five hydrogen-powered buses, signaling a broader commitment to clean transportation.
City Councillor for Mobility Antoni Deudero highlighted the importance of this electrification effort, stating that the aging fleet and growing demand necessitate substantial upgrades.
To accommodate the incoming electric buses, Palma is developing a new depot in the Son Rossinyol industrial estate. Spanning 28,000 square meters, the facility will include charging infrastructure for 108 electric buses via pantographs. This expansion complements the existing depot in Coll dāen Rabassa, which has a capacity of 150 buses but is currently stretched to serve the cityās 257 active vehicles.
