Summary
- Hansea plans to add 181 more electric buses to its fleet by the end of 2025
- The success story started in 2021 with the release of the MAN Lion’s City E Coach model
- Hansea aims to fully electrify its bus fleet by 2035, relying on MAN for the conversion
- The new order includes 10, 12, and 18-meter variants of the Lion’s City E buses
- This will make Hansea’s fleet the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Belgium
Article
Belgian private bus operator Hansea has announced plans to add 181 more electric buses to its fleet by the end of 2025, in addition to the 90 electric city buses they already have. The success story of Hansea’s electric bus fleet began in 2021 when MAN released the Lion’s City E Coach model. The buses have delivered on the promise of cleaner air and lower running costs for the fleet operator, prompting Hansea to increase its orders for electric buses.
According to Hansea’s CEO Joris Larosse, sustainability is a key issue for both the company and MAN. The goal is to fully electrify the entire bus fleet by 2035, and the partnership with MAN has been crucial in achieving this. Hansea is ordering various variants of the Lion’s City E, allowing for use in a wide range of local and long-distance bus routes throughout Flanders. The company also operates electric school buses, employee shuttles, and chartered electric coach services across Belgium.
MAN has committed to delivering all 181 new electric buses to Hansea by the end of 2025, making the fleet the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Belgium. The Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, Barbaros Oktay, expressed pride in Hansea’s choice to continue purchasing MAN eBuses, indicating their satisfaction with the Lion’s City E model. The order highlights the success and reliability of the electric buses in Hansea’s fleet.
Replacing diesel buses with electric vehicles in densely populated areas has clear benefits in terms of cost savings, reducing air pollution, and improving overall quality of life. MAN’s CEO has stated that it is “impossible” for hydrogen to compete with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and even sells hydrogen trucks. The move towards electric buses by companies like Hansea is seen as a necessary and positive step in promoting sustainability and reducing emissions in urban areas.
The decision by Hansea to significantly increase its fleet of electric buses indicates a strong commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions. The success of the Lion’s City E model has been a driving force in this transition, with Hansea relying on MAN to convert their fleet to electric. With the addition of 181 more electric buses, Hansea is set to become a leader in zero-emission bus fleets in Belgium, setting a positive example for sustainable transportation practices.
In conclusion, the continued partnership between Hansea and MAN demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainability and the transition towards electric bus fleets. The success of the Lion’s City E model and the benefits of electric buses in terms of cost savings and emission reductions make them a viable and necessary choice for fleet operators. As more companies follow in the footsteps of Hansea, the shift towards electric buses in urban areas is expected to have a positive impact on air quality and overall environmental health.
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