Wolfurt transformed into electric bus hub with 54 chargers

The charging depot at Wolfurt freight railway station has become a key hub within the Vorarlberg Transport Association. The association has commissioned Österreichische Postbus AG to operate the local public transport bus network, and the fleet’s electric buses are now charged in Wolfurt. The local charging depot was developed by vlotte vkw (a subsidiary of the energy provider illwerke vkw) in coordination with the transport association, using charging stations and additional equipment from Kempower.

The depot currently features 54 satellite charging points with up to 240 kW capacity and, as mentioned, can be expanded. The slim charging stations require minimal space, as most of the technology is housed in separately installed power units. Additionally, a charging management system (ChargeEye) ensures the available power is distributed in line with the bus schedule. The facility’s energy supply is guaranteed by four 1.25 MW transformers, totalling 5 MW.

“In a project like this reliable charging solutions are essential,” states Philipp Österle, Managing Director of vlotte vkw. “We are setting up and operating the necessary infrastructure at the transport service providers’ locations – existing parking and storage areas at the Wolfurt freight station are currently being upgraded accordingly.” Österle emphasises that electric buses are almost always on the move, “so maximum charging power must be available during stops. Overnight, significantly lower charging capacities of 30 to 50 kW per vehicle are sufficient to fully recharge the batteries.”

Leonard Lechner from the Vorarlberg Transport Association added: “The first electric buses went into service in 2020 and have been impressive across the board ever since. By expanding the fleet, we are enabling our passengers to travel in an even more climate-friendly way.” By the end of 2025, up to 125 battery-electric buses will be in operation in Vorarlberg.

A central role is played by Österreichische Postbus AG, which operates the electric buses in daily scheduled services on behalf of the transport association. “By May 2026, the Postbus depot in Wolfurt will be the largest electric bus location and charging park in Austria, with 66 buses and charging points,” highlights Mathias Schönherr, Transport Manager at Österreichische Postbus AG. “The project shows how successful cooperation between partners can look – a real showcase project for sustainable mobility in Vorarlberg.”

kempower.com, vlotte.at (in German)