Mercedes eCitaro: VLP plans a swift expansion of the electric bus fleet

The Ludwigslust-Parchim Transport Company (VLP) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is focusing on the rapid expansion of its electric bus fleet. The 15 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses delivered at the end of September last year, which are currently still in trial operation, are set to be used regularly on routes from February 1st - by the end of the year, the VLP fleet is expected to grow to a total of 45 electric vehicles. The approximately 60 VLP drivers and workshop staff are receiving specialized training.

The Mercedes electric vehicles are the first series application ever to be equipped with solid-state batteries from Bolloré subsidiary Blue Solutions based on lithium iron phosphate, which do not require nickel, manganese, or cobalt. Heating and cooling are managed via an electric CO2 heat pump. The VLP operational site in Parchim has been equipped with a 1600 kVA transformer (kVA = kilovolt-ampere) in collaboration with the Parchim municipal utilities.

Electrification supported by federal and state funds

The acquisition of the electric buses is being funded by federal resources from the special fund of the "Energy and Climate Fund" (EKF). Additionally, the Ludwigslust-Parchim district has planned to promote electromobility as part of its district development concept KEK 2030 and reduce CO₂ emissions in the district by 55% by 2030.

"We are focusing on climate-friendly mobility for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Ludwigslust-Parchim district is making great strides with its transport company. With the electrification of the bus fleet, all twelve operating sites will gradually be expanded with the necessary charging infrastructure. This way, we are consistently moving towards a greenhouse gas-neutral operation of public transport. The Ministry of Transport supports these projects," said Reinhard Meyer, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Labor.

Last Wednesday (January 19), Meyer handed over a grant notice to the Ludwigslust-Parchim Transport Company mbH (VLP). The funding is intended to install network connections for the VLP depots' charging infrastructure and acquire the necessary transformers. Additionally, an operational management system with electric bus functionalities is to be introduced.

The Ministry of Transport is supporting this project with nearly EUR 2.7 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The total investments amount to approximately EUR 3.6 million.