Keolis puts new 246-strong electric fleet into operation
Keolis has deployed 246 electric buses in the Netherlands, cutting around 16,000 tonnes of CO2 from its environmental footprint a year. On 13 December 2020, Keolis began operating the electric bus fleet in the country’s eastern provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. The zero-emission bus network is equipped with 177 charging stations, and 750 drivers have been trained to operate the new e-buses.
Bernard Tabary, CEO International, Keolis Group, says: “We are very pleased to launch such a large number of electric buses in one go which will deliver benefits for both the environment and quality of life for people in these provinces.
“We are proud to do our part in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic by helping the two transport authorities rebuild passenger trust and reach their green goals with this safe, comfortable new fleet.”
The new e-bus network has 120 lines and 50 stations, connecting 180 villages and four medium-sized cities – Apeldoorn, Zwolle, Ede, Deventer – with a total population of 3.1 million.
The 12m-long BYD buses can carry 39 seated and 40 standing passengers, while a 13m version has capacity for 41 seated and 14 standing passengers.