Arriva Group has expanded its electric bus fleet with the addition of 16 new units in Kladno, Czech Republic. Based on the brand's announcement, this is the largest single purchase of electric buses in the country to date. With the introduction of these green energy vehicles, Arriva plans to phase out diesel-powered and CNG-powered buses in the city.
The new buses come in 12-meter and 18-meter articulated variations, both featuring traction batteries designed for quick charging and extended range. Each bus has a capacity of up to 149 passengers. Inside, the buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, USB ports, and low floors for easy accessibility.
To support the new fleet, Arriva has collaborated with CEZ ESCO and CSAD MHD Kladno to construct a charging station in Kladno. The station comprises nine charging points, each with a capacity of 150 kW. Additional stations are in the works as Arriva continues to replace more of the city's CNG and diesel buses with electric models.
The total expenditure for the buses and the initial charging station is €10.2 million. The funding has been sourced from the Czech Republic's EU-supported Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP) and a €3.8 million contribution from Arriva.
This initiative is part of a 10-year, €57 million contract that Arriva secured from the passenger transport authority CSAD MHD Kladno in 2021. Arriva has been serving in the Czech Republic since 2006 and currently has a workforce of over 3,500 people, operating a fleet of 90 trains and 1,950 buses. The company holds a 25 percent market share in the tendered bus market and a 7 percent share in the tendered train market in the country.