First e-mobility project for VDL Bus & Coach in Italy
Milan is aiming for a zero-emission bus fleet for its public transportation system by the year 2030 and has taken delivery of four Citea SLF-120 Electric buses from VDL Bus & Coach. The electric buses will run between the car parks, terminals 1 and 2, and Cargo City at Milano-Malpensa airport. It is the first e-mobility project for VDL Bus & Coach in Italy and is a co-operation between operators Arriva Italia, Air Pullman and Autolinee Varesine.
“Together with our partners Air Pullman and Autolinee Varesine, we are showing by winning this tender that sustainability is of paramount importance to us,” says Angelo Costa, CEO, Arriva Italia. “The choice in favour of the reliable e-buses from VDL Bus & Coach fits in seamlessly with this vision. We see this project as the starting point for increasing the sustainability of Malpensa airport and other airports where Arriva is already present as a carrier.”
Alex de Jong, business manager public transport, VDL Bus & Coach, adds: “With our electric buses, we are striving for a better climate and a cleaner and quieter city. Milan is the next city with a pronounced sustainability vision that uses our expertise as Europe’s frontrunner in e-mobility. Naturally, we are very proud of that.
“In Italy, we would now like to show we are a reliable partner that supplies not only the buses but also the entire charging infrastructure.”
The four Citeas are equipped with an 85kWh battery pack and also have wi-fi, USB connections and dark-tinted glazing.
For charging equipment, VDL Bus & Coach is working with Dutch company Heliox on its first Italian electrical project.