Vilnius Airport transitions to electric buses for passenger transport

Vilnius Airport will transport passengers between the terminal and aircraft using only electric buses starting next year. A purchase agreement for twelve vehicles has been signed with Cobus. These buses will replace all diesel buses.

Cobus e cobus elektrobus electric bus vilnius litauen lithuania — Image: Lithuanian Airports

The selection of Cobus is no accident. “Cobus, a company with extensive international experience, is a trusted partner for numerous airports worldwide and provides high-quality mobility solutions. Cobus buses are already in operation at over 350 airports globally,” the company states.

The investment for the twelve Cobus units totals €7.2 million (net), covering technical maintenance and repair services. Lithuanian Airports, the corporation overseeing Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports, has chosen the manufacturer’s e.Cobus 2700 model.

This model, specifically designed for airport apron operations, is built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. This is unsurprising, given that Cobus is a joint venture between CaetanoBus and Daimler Truck. However, specific details about the drivetrain remain undisclosed. On its website, Cobus states that the company utilises Siemens’ “ELFA” electric motor as part of its modular drivetrain concept. The required energy is supplied by lithium-titanate batteries, which, in the ordered configuration, provide a total capacity of 282 kWh. No information, however, is provided regarding battery charging.

It will be some time before the new units arrive. The twelve e.Cobus 2700 buses are not expected until the second half of 2026. Upon delivery, they will fully replace all diesel buses and transport passengers between the terminal and aircraft.

“Buses designed specifically for airport operations will enable more efficient and sustainable fleet management and ensure an improved passenger experience. Electrification of ground transport is a key step toward achieving the NET ZERO goal that we have set in our airport strategy,” said Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU). The Lithuanian airports have set a strategic goal to become a CO₂-neutral organisation by 2030.

“We are pleased that our buses will support Vilnius Airport in taking an important step toward zero-emission goals. Our fully electric, low-floor buses are designed to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation while contributing to Vilnius’ environmental objectives. We are proud to be part of these more sustainable solutions,” added Patricia Vasconcelos, CEO of Cobus Industries.

However, the order for twelve electric buses may not be final. The contract also includes an option to purchase three additional battery-electric buses in the future, should passenger numbers continue to grow.

sumin.lrv.lt (in Lithuanian), ltou.lt

This article was first published by Daniel Bönnighausen for electrive’s German edition.