Hermes aim for further greening of Eindhoven with 32 Citeas
Eindhoven operator Hermes has ordered 32 VDL Citea electric buses for delivery in January 2022. The order follows a tender by the Dutch province of North Brabant, with the aim of switching completely to public transport that no longer emits harmful substances in the period 2016-2025.
Willem van der Leegte, VDL president says : “Hermes stuck its neck out four years ago to start what was then Europe’s largest electric bus fleet in Eindhoven. It was a fantastic milestone that generated worldwide interest. The fact that Hermes is now taking the next step by ordering 32 new generation Citeas for Eindhoven from VDL is an example of their vision to electrify public transport in the region.”
Martijn Mentink, regional director, Hermes, adds: “In recent years, many other European transport companies and cities have visited Eindhoven to see and experience with their own eyes that the future of e-mobility in public transport has already begun here.
“I am therefore very pleased that with this investment in a new zero emission city fleet we can further contribute to stronger and cleaner public transport. The coronavirus crisis is having a major impact on public transport, but we continue to believe that innovation pays off even in these difficult times.”
The new generation Citeas have been equipped with a Brainport package for Hermes which includes forward collision warning and blind spot detection systems.
The battery packs are integrated into the floor as standard, allowing for more passenger space, up to a maximum of 110 people in a 12.2m vehicle. For this new generation of electric city buses, VDL Bus & Coach has developed a composite sidewall that consists of a single piece, which it says reduces vibration and noise and contributes to passenger comfort.