25 new generation VDL Citeas for Finnish city Kotka
Finnish bus company Oy Pohjolan Liikenne has ordered 25 new generation VDL Citeas with electric drivetrains for its fleet in the port city of Kotka. They will also serve the neighbouring town of Hamina.
This is the first large order for new generation Citeas that VDL Bus & Coach has sold outside its home country. The order will follow that of Dutch public transport company Hermes, which will deploy 32 new generation LF-122 type VDL Citeas in the first quarter of next year in Eindhoven. Production of Kotka’s new buses will begin in late 2022 and will be delivered in 2023.
With the addition of these 25 Citeas, Oy Pohjolan Liikenne will expand its VDL fleet to almost 200 vehicles.
Heikki Alanko, managing director, Oy Pohjolan Liikenne, says: “We strive to be the leading operator in the transition to zero emission public transport in Finland. These new state-of-the-art, long-range VDL buses will make it possible for us to operate more efficiently than ever before.
“We are delighted with the new generation VDL Citeas; their core innovative characteristics will allow us to enhance passengers’ travel experience and provide the best possible working environment to our drivers.”
Sami Ojamo, managing director, VDL Bus & Coach Finland, adds: “The transition to electric and sustainable public transport in Finland continues at an exponential pace. Our longstanding, valued customer is a great example of this trend. Early in 2019, they ordered their first five electric Citeas from VDL Bus & Coach. Now, they have purchased from our latest generation of city buses. The addition to their fleet substantiates their position as a frontrunner in e-mobility in Finland.”
The 12.2m new generation Citeas will have a 490kWh battery pack and a range of 500 to 600km.