De Lijn secures up to 500 electric buses from Daimler Buses

More than 80 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses have already been ordered under the new framework agreement. This leaves a contingent of around 420 buses that the Flemish public transport operator can call upon in the coming years. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.

The order for 268 electric buses from BYD Europe, which are to be delivered gradually from the second quarter of 2027, completes the purchase under a 2023 framework agreement. This fully utilises the framework agreement with BYD for another 500 e-buses. “The initial operational experiences with the e-buses already delivered by BYD Europe have been positive. Therefore, De Lijn has decided to place a third order,” the Flemish company states.

While the two binding orders and the new framework agreement with the German manufacturer align with De Lijn’s goal of offering a fully zero-emission public transport system in the region by 2035, this is only made possible by a ‘400-million-euro investment by Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Annick De Ridder, in the fleet,’ as De Lijn confirms.

However, Flemish policy has set the target of a zero-emission public transport system by 2035, with an interim goal that all buses in Flemish cities must be zero-emission by 2025. As a result, De Lijn, equipped with substantial funding, has already procured numerous battery-electric buses and charging stations and also entered into another framework agreement with Iveco for 500 vehicles. Additionally, the fleet or pipeline includes battery-electric buses from MAN, VDL, and Irizar.

“We are pleased that De Lijn is securing the continuity of its sustainability efforts with the new framework agreement,” says Annick De Ridder. “Thanks to the additional 400 million euros, De Lijn will order over 630 new electric buses this year (including the 290 buses already ordered this spring, as well as the 268 and 80 additional ones now following), modernise its services, and enhance its passenger offerings. For example, consider the on-board screens with real-time passenger information.”

“Both the e-buses from BYD and the vehicles from Daimler and Mercedes will be equipped with the typical De Lijn specifications, which have practically become the European standard,” says De Lijn CEO Ann Schoubs. “USB charging stations and an electric ramp for passengers with reduced mobility have been standard features for us for four years and are becoming increasingly common among our colleagues at home and abroad. Our improved driver’s cab, featuring a fully adjustable, ventilated, and heated driver’s seat, side cameras instead of mirrors, and advanced safety features, is now also standard.”

delijn.prezly.com (in Dutch)

This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.