Scania is set to deliver a fleet of electric buses to the Åre region of Sweden, known for its tumultuous temperatures varying some 60°C during the course of a year, marking a significant step in the manufacturer’s electrification journey.
The buses will leverage Scania’s new battery electric bus platform which was introduced in October 2023 and expand to include a three-axle variant.
The initial deliveries will include two-axle, low-entry Scania Fencer f1 buses fitted with four battery packs. These will be followed at the end of the year by three-axle, low-entry Scania Irizar i3 buses equipped with five battery packs.
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In total, fourteen electric buses will be deployed, with charging powered by local, sustainable hydroelectricity.
The buses are being supplied in partnership with local Scania dealer Berners and operated by Connect Bus. The vehicles will serve both city and suburban routes, contributing to a more sustainable and safer public transport system in the region.
“We listened to the market and developed an electric bus platform that meets today’s transport needs. This order demonstrates that customers and authorities appreciate its benefits,” Scania head of urban solutions Anna Ställberg says.
“In addition to having zero tailpipe emissions, the buses are also equipped with the latest road safety technology, including new advanced driver assistance system functionalities.”
Electric buses are increasingly becoming the standard in public transport tenders, and Scania is positioning itself to meet this growing demand with its modular electric bus platform. The platform’s flexibility, with both two and three-axle options, plays a critical role in Scania’s strategy to increase its share in the electric bus segment.
Connect Bus CEO Jonas Kempe welcomed the delivery.
“Connect Bus is looking forward to receiving the first batch of electric two- and three-axle buses from Scania,” he says.
“With this order, we are investing in a healthier living environment and taking the next step to making zero emissions the new standard.”
Scania’s electric buses have already proven their performance in nearby areas with similar climate conditions, consistently operating reliably across the region’s wide temperature swings.
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