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Funding for a further 1,200 e-buses handed over and opening of the ElekBu trade fair in Berlin

On the eve of the VDV Electric Bus Conference and the ElekBu trade fair in Berlin, the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) handed over further funding certificates of the directive for the “Promotion of alternative drives for buses in passenger transport” at a separate event. Daniela Kluckert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the BMDV emphasised: “In order to achieve the climate protection goals in transport, public transport with its committed local transport companies plays a very central role. We need transport companies that take a bold step forward and switch to new drive options at an early stage. We support this with our funding for alternative drive systems for buses in passenger transport. I am pleased that this funding offer has been so well received and that with today’s funding commitments alone we will put 1,200 climate-friendly buses on the road in the coming years.” The VDV industry association welcomes the new momentum in funding applications: “The Federal Ministry of Transport is pushing the e-driving pedal harder than ever before: after 1,700 buses were already approved by the federal government in April, a large number are now being added exactly where we need them so urgently: With the small and medium-sized transport companies in Germany. This is a strong signal,” says VDV Vice President Werner Overkamp. With 780 registered participants, the electric bus conference set a new record – and the ElekBu trade fair set a new record with 70 exhibitors.

“The number of 1,270 e-buses – battery-electric, overhead or fuel cell – that we currently see on German roads will grow strongly. In addition, there will be around 1,500 hybrid buses. In view of the BMDV subsidies, the industry is obliged to put all its energy into converting the infrastructure and fleets – and to qualify its staff accordingly. At the same time, we must consistently continue along this successful path of electrification in view of the approximately 35,000 buses in public transport in Germany. In addition, their on-demand share should also continue to grow in the future – primarily with electric drive,” says Overkamp.

Presentation of the EBUS Awards on the eve of the VDV Electric Bus Conference I © VDV

EBUS Award presented for the fifth time

At the traditional presentation of the EBUS Award on the eve of the VDV Electric Bus Conference, three companies from the industry and the public transport sector were honoured that have rendered outstanding services to the development and promotion of electric buses in public transport in recent years: As bus manufacturers, VDL Bus & Coach was awarded for the further development of battery buses in terms of low dead weight, high passenger capacity and range with batteries in the vehicle floor, and MAN for the development of energy-efficient battery buses with large battery capacity to achieve high ranges. Among the transport companies, Kieler Verkehrsgesellschaft received an award for the rapid conversion of its bus fleet to electric drives and informative documentation. Individuals were also recognised for their e-bus commitment: Toralf Müller (Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein) for the introduction of e-buses, Dr. Harry Hondius for publications that promote trust and understanding, Stefan Lösel (Verkehrsgesellschaft Ludwiglust-Parchim) for his commitment to e-buses in rural areas, Kay Volmer (EvoBus) for pioneering developments in infrastructure and workshop equipment for the safe handling of high-voltage components, and Jochen Flasbarth (State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) for his commitment to promoting sustainable local public transport. The presentation of the EBUS Award by the Forum for Transport and Logistics took place for the fifth time and is one of the most important national public transport environmental awards.

Record numbers: ElekBu and VDV Electric Bus Conference

“We are proud. Despite the postponement into the summer due to the pandemic, we have a record number of 70 exhibitors on site, with 20 new e-buses – battery-electric or hydrogen-powered – and other exhibits. Our three stages and the bookable areas are completely occupied. This shows the relevance of the topic and the excellent combination of trade fair and conference,” concludes Dietmar Scheel, board member at the Forum for Transport and Logistics.

12.07.2022