The federal government of Germany can support the development of e-bus fleets after receiving the green light from the European Union, including infrastructures with a total of 1.25 billion euros from now until 2024.
The money could be used to support the purchase of new e-buses, but also the conversion of depots and workshops, VDV Vice President Werner Overkamp points out. “This is good news from the federal government and encourages us in our efforts to convert our already climate-friendly bus fleets to emission-free electric drives”.
In detail, the following items are eligible for funding:
- The procurement and retrofitting of buses with alternative drive systems and the procurement of the infrastructure necessary for operation (fundings cover 80% of the additional investment costs compared to diesel when it comes to battery-electric, fuel cell buses and trolleybuses; 40% of the additional investment costs compared to diesel when it comes to biogas-powered buses; 40% of the full investment costs for the non-public infrastructure required for operation).
- Feasibility studies.
Clean Vehicles Directive, funds are enough
On German roads, and with a strong upward trend, there are currently about 500 battery-electric buses, about 1,500 hybrids and about 50 fuel cell buses. Transport companies have already applied for funding for a further 1,400 e-buses, some of which have already been approved.
“According to initial calculations by the industry association VDV, these funds could be sufficient to implement the investments to meet the obligations under the EU’s Clean Vehicles Directive to procure zero-emission vehicles and their infrastructures. It is now necessary to allocate the funds provided in an economically sensible way via an industry agreement on the implementation of a state quota,” concludes Overkamp.
Source: Sustainable Bus
