Como expands electric bus operations with new Yutong vehicles

Italian public transport operator ASF Autolinee has added seven new Yutong electric buses to its network in Como and completed a charging hub at its Lazzago depot. The fleet now includes 32 e-buses, supported by eight new high-power chargers.

Asf autolinee yutong italy electric buses — Image: ASF

The new E10 and E12 models join the operator’s urban fleet, which brings the total number of Yutong vehicles in service to 32. Earlier deliveries included two units in March 2024 and 23 in September.

In parallel with the fleet expansion, ASF has completed a new charging hub at its Lazzago depot. The installation comprises eight Assytech charging columns capable of supplying up to 16 electric buses simultaneously. Each unit delivers between 75 and 150 kW.

The depot also features a canopy prepared for solar integration. The installation is funded through Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (PNRR) funds and the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility (PNSMS), and it is connected to ASF’s digital control centre for operational monitoring.

According to the operator, the new buses include features aimed at improving efficiency and operational range, such as regenerative braking and fully electric HVAC systems. Driver-assistance functions support real-time vehicle monitoring, while safety is enhanced through internal surveillance and 360-degree external camera coverage. The vehicles also offer on-board payment capability via bank cards.

ASF now operates fully electric services on lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 11, making Como one of the first mid-sized Italian cities to run a predominantly electric urban network. The company expects the electric fleet to cover more than 1.8 million zero-emission kilometres annually.

asfautolinee.it, linkedin.com (in Italian)