Qbuzz Invests €15 Million in Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure
Groningen, Friday, 27 September 2024.
Public transport company Qbuzz is investing €15 million to develop charging infrastructure for electric buses across the Netherlands. The project includes 386 charging points at four bus depots and a fast-charging station in Groningen, supported by Invest-NL and European subsidies. This investment aligns with Qbuzz’s plan to replace over 400 diesel buses with electric vehicles in the coming years.
Financing the Green Transition
Qbuzz is allocating €5.9 million towards the financing of this significant project, while the national development institution Invest-NL is lending €5 million. Additionally, the European Commission is contributing €3.9 million through the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) subsidy. This financial support underscores the commitment of multiple stakeholders to advance sustainable public transport solutions in the Netherlands[1].
Infrastructure Details
The 386 charging points will be distributed across four bus depots within Qbuzz’s concession areas. A notable feature of the project is the fast-charging station, which will be located at the Hoofdstation in Groningen. This infrastructure is designed to optimize the use of available network capacity and mitigate the impact of grid congestion, ensuring efficient and reliable charging for the electric bus fleet[1].
Strategic Partnerships
Invest-NL plays a crucial role as the implementing partner for the AFIF subsidy in the Netherlands. This partnership marks Invest-NL’s first transaction as an implementing partner, highlighting the institution’s pivotal role in facilitating access to financial support for green projects like those of Qbuzz. By collaborating with Invest-NL and leveraging European funds, Qbuzz is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable public transportation[1].
Timeline for Implementation
The installation of the charging points will occur over the next two years, in phases. This timeline aligns with Qbuzz’s broader strategy to replace over 400 diesel buses in the regions of Zuid-Holland Noord and Groningen-Drenthe with new electric buses. Initially, Qbuzz had planned to procure these buses from the Belgian manufacturer Van Hool. However, following Van Hool’s bankruptcy, Qbuzz shifted its purchase plans to the Chinese company Yutong[1].
Expanding Electric Fleet
Currently, Qbuzz operates 275 battery-electric buses and 30 hydrogen-electric buses, enabling nearly 40% of its services to be emission-free as of 2023. The new charging infrastructure will further support Qbuzz’s goal to enhance its electric fleet, thereby contributing to cleaner, more sustainable urban mobility in the Netherlands. By December 15, 2024, Qbuzz will also take over the concessions for Zuid-Holland Noord and Fryslân, expanding its operational footprint and commitment to green innovation[1].