HSL trials an all-electric bus  

The first all-electric bus will enter into service in the autumn. The bus will be operated by Veolia Transport Finland Oy and it will be used e.g. on Espoo internal bus route 11, Tapiola–Matinkylä–Friisilänaukio.

The electric bus will be tested for three years in both summer and winter conditions. The bus will be tested also in the test laboratory of the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT). HSL’s aim is to get first-hand information on the performance of a battery-electric bus and to compare conventional bus technology and alternative fuels. HSL will also collect passengers’ views on electric buses and  acquire know-how in the planning of electric bus services. 

Electric buses are emission-free

Electric buses are almost noiseless and they do not emit exhaust fumes. HSL’s strategy is to cut public transport emissions affecting the air quality by 80 percent by 2018. This cannot be done without the latest vehicle technology, best fuels and utilizing electricity as a source of energy. Previously, HSL has participated in the testing of  e.g. hybrid buses. The all-electric bus is a natural extension of previous trials.  

The Portuguese Caetano 2500EL electric bus arrived in Finland at the beginning of September. The bus has a range of 120 kilometers. There will charging points for the bus at the Veolia depot, in Suurpelto and possible elsewhere in southern Espoo. 

Cooperation project to develop electric commercial vehicles 

The electric bus trial is part of eBus project, which in addition to HSL and Veolia Transport Finland Oy involves, among others, the Technical Research Centre of Finland, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Metropolia UAS, City of Espoo, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, Fortum Oyj and several equipment manufacturers. The idea is to test 4-6 electric buses from different manufactures in the metropolitan area public transport in the coming years.

The eBus project is part of the national Electric Vehicle Systems Program, which aims to develop increase the amount of business related to electric vehicles and machinery in Finland.