VDL: New generation of electric Citea buses now available

Uncompromising and completely emission-free – this is how the Dutch bus manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach announces the new generation of its Citea electric buses. According to the VDL vision, a bus concept based entirely on an electric drivetrain has been developed, which is set to be unveiled for the first time at Busworld in Brussels in October next year.

"Behind the scenes, we have been working hard in recent years to create a platform for public transportation that is future-proof and integrates the latest technologies. The modularity allows our customers to optimally meet the challenges of public transport and the new kind of mobility systems," said Henk Coppens, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach.

Same name, completely new vehicle concept

VDL sticks to the name Citea, but the vehicle concept has been completely redeveloped and is based entirely on an electric drivetrain, the company reports. There will be four length variants to meet every conceivable market demand in terms of sustainability, technology, range, passenger comfort and capacity, ergonomics, flexibility, safety, and total cost of ownership.

The various Citea electric buses are to be produced in the Netherlands and Belgium and are characterized, among other things, by a lower weight achieved through a composite sidewall construction that is 15% lighter than a conventional sidewall according to VDL.

The battery pack, installed as standard in the floor, ensures better weight distribution, more stability (safety), and an increase in passenger capacity. Additionally, the energy consumption of the vehicles is to be reduced by at least 30% through the choice of efficient components, lightweight construction, good insulation, an aerodynamic design, and optimal energy management, according to the Dutch company.

Details in the coming months through a social media campaign

Communication through social media – from December 2020 to April 2021, VDL Bus & Coach will provide further information and details on range, capacity, ergonomics, design, climate systems, and energy of the new Citea generation through its social media channels and on the website https://www.vdlbuscoach.com.